Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
[Anticoagulants drugs direct trombin inhibitors]
T Lecompte1, M Toussaint-Hacquard, J Devignes
1CHU de Nancy, Hémostase (Service d'Hématologie Biologique), Nancy, France. thomas.lecompte@chu-nancy.fr
Abstract:
The aim of this review is to explain the central role of thrombin in haemostasis and the main pharmacological features of the anticoagulants that are direct inhibitors of thrombin, with emphasis on orally active small molecules. Owing to the complexity of the clotting system only well designed and conducted studies can tell us which drug is the most useful, safe and convenient to limit each type of thrombosis and what are the appropriate dosage and management. Parenterally administered direct thrombin inhibitors require laboratory monitoring, whereas dabigatran, orally active, does not.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care