Ancrod infusion for anticoagulation during and after PTCA in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Ancrod is a rapid-acting defibrinogenating agent derived from the venom of the Malayan pit viper which has been used successfully as an alternative to heparin sulfate for anticoagulation during peripheral vascular procedures and coronary artery bypass surgery. We describe the first use of ancrod for anticoagulation before and during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in a patient with heparin-associated thrombocytopenia.