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.
D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D013916:Thrombelastography / Q000379:methods*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*
D006493:Heparin