Bivalirudin during thrombolysis with catheter-directed tPA in a heparin-refractory patient: A case report

Venous thromboembolism has increasing significance in hospitalized pediatric patients. Patients who have life-threatening or limb-threatening thrombotic events require thrombolysis in addition to anticoagulation. In patients who show signs of heparin resistance or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, it is imperative to identify alternative therapeutic options. We present a child in whom bivalirudin was used for systemic anticoagulation during catheter-directed thrombolysis along with tissue plasminogen activator (Alteplase^® ) for the treatment of a near-occlusive organ-threatening thrombus. We also review the currently available literature on the use of combination therapy of an intravenous direct thrombin inhibitor with alteplase.