The challenge of maintaining coronary arterial patency with intravenous heparin following tissue plasminogen activator administration.
It is widely accepted that coronary arterial patency, achieved early after symptom onset and maintained over time, is an absolute prerequisite for patient benefit following thrombolytic therapy. Conjunctive pharmacological agents such as heparin appear to play an important role in maintaining vessel patency, particularly following tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) administration. Unfortunately, dosing strategies and monitoring have not kept pace with the rest of the field. Further investigation is encouraged.
Becker
R C
RC
Thrombosis Research Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655.
Gore
J M
JM
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014654:Vascular Patency / Q000187:drug effects*
D006493:Heparin; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator; D001241:Aspirin