The Use of Bivalirudin in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and in the Interventional Cardiology Suite

Anticoagulation is an essential component for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and for those with ventricular assist devices. However, thrombosis and bleeding are common complications. Heparin continues to be the agent of choice for most patients, likely owing to practitioners ’ comfort and experience and the ease with which the drug's effects can be reversed. However, especially in pediatric cardiac surgery, there is increasing interest in using bivalirudin as the primary anticoagulant.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research