Monitoring of heparin therapy with thromboelastography.

The technique of thromboelastography was used to monitor the administration of heparin to patients with diagnosed deep vein thrombosis. The thromboelastograph uses a mechanical optical system to provide a continuous dynamic measure of the coagulation process. It has been found to be a highly sensitive device for the detection of response to heparin thus allowing a more precise administration of heparin frequently leading to a reduction in the dosage to maintain the coagulation process of the patient within therapeutic range. This allows a more individualized approach to the patient on anticoagulation therapy.