Ideal Anticoagulation for Use With a Left Ventricular Assist Device

To establish ideal anticoagulation therapy for use with a left ventricular assist device, a study was done administering various anticoagulants: heparin, argatroban, a prostacyclin analogue combined with a protease inhibitor, or a protease inhibitor alone. Cardiac asisting by LVAD without any anticoagulants results in marked activation of blood coagulation or fibrinolysis. Administration of argatroban, as well as heparin, produces a bleeding tendency. Administration of a protease inhibitor (nafamostat mesilate, FUT-175) as a sole anticoagulant induces activation of the blood coagulation system to some extent, but it is within acceptable limits. Combined administration of a prostacyclin analogue (PG) and FUT-175 is most effective in maintaining balanced blood coagulation and fibrinolysis.