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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices
Published on: March 21, 2025
Alternative parenteral anticoagulation with argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor
Marian P LaMonte1, Philip M Brown, Marcie J Hursting
1University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201-1595, USA. mlamonte@umm.edu
Abstract:
Argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, effectively inhibits free and clot-bound thrombin without the need of a cofactor and exerts dose-dependent anticoagulant effects that are rapidly active and rapidly reversible (elimination half-life: 39-51 min). Argatroban provides predictable parenteral anticoagulation and is well tolerated with an acceptably low bleeding risk in a variety of clinical settings, including heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, acute ischemic stroke, percutaneous coronary intervention and hemodialysis. This review will discuss the clinical pharmacology and utility of argatroban; in particular, clinical trial experiences will be discussed in patients with, or at risk of, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (where heparins must be avoided) including those requiring hemodialysis or percutaneous coronary intervention, and in patients with acute ischemic stroke (where heparins are not generally recommended).
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