The impact of blood shear rate on arterial thrombus formation
Kjell S Sakariassen1, Lars Orning2, Vincent T Turitto3
1KellSa s.a.s., Str. Campo e Zampo 12, I-13900 Biella, BI, Italy; KellSa s.a.s., Str. Campo e Zampo 12, I-13900 Biella, BI, Italy.
The shear rate and corresponding shear stress have impacts on arterial thrombus formation. In particular, the effects of increasing concentration of platelets at the vessel wall and activation of platelets at this site increase the growth and stability of the thrombi which may result in a fatal narrowing of the arterial lumen. The efficacy of many antithrombotic agents is shear dependent as well. It is apparent that there is a need for a point-of-care device to rapidly monitor the risk for arterial thrombosis and to optimize antithrombotic therapy in vitro. The present review focuses on the essential role of shear rate on arterial thrombus formation in native human blood drawn directly from an antecubital vein.
The shear rate and corresponding shear stress have impacts on arterial thrombus formation. In particular, the effects of increasing concentration of platelets at the vessel wall and activation of platelets at this site increase the growth and stability of the thrombi which may result in a fatal narrowing of the arterial lumen. The efficacy of many antithrombotic agents is shear dependent as well. It is apparent that there is a need for a point-of-care device to rapidly monitor the risk for arterial thrombosis and to optimize antithrombotic therapy in vitro. The present review focuses on the essential role of shear rate on arterial thrombus formation in native human blood drawn directly from an antecubital vein.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
Introduction to Hemostasis
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized,...


