A thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor as an anticoagulant for left ventricular assist devices.

A comparative study to establish more adequate anticoagulation therapy for left ventricular assist devices was done by administering various anticoagulants: heparin, argatroban (a pure thrombin inhibitor), a thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor, and protease inhibitor. Results of the investigation revealed that use of no anticoagulation activates the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation and causes severe coagulopathy, heparin or argatroban causes bleeding tendency, and a thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor can maintain blood coagulation within the acceptable range, but not completely. Combined administration of a thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor and protease inhibitor was found to be the best anticoagulation therapy in this study.