Page 61 - Virtual Vascular Vol 6
P. 61
A rare operative photo showing an IVC Filter inside the inferior
vena cava HEPARIN Unfractionated heparin is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan. It is main-
ly used as an anticoagulant in Vascular Surgery in acute ischemia and also during surgery.
Heparin binds to the enzyme inhibitor antithrombin III (AT), causing a conformational
change that results in its activation. The activated AT then inactivates thrombin, factor Xa
and other proteases.
Heparin is not absorbed in the gut and is given parenterally. It has a rapid onsets of ac-
tion and a short half life of about one hour.
Aorta
IVC
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