title: [The coagulation cascade--clinical implications].
abstract: The coagulation system is a cascade of complex, interacting steps, that can selectively be inhibited in distinct ways. Thus, various therapeutic options are offered, concerning primary hemostasis, which results in formation of a platelet-rich thrombus, as well as secondary hemostasis, resulting in fibrin formation. For patients with coronary artery disease, who have to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a sufficient anticoagulant strategy is essential for prevention of ischemic events, due to the activated state of the coagulation system of these patients. Next to antiplatelet therapy, unfractionated heparin (UFH) is a well-established concomitant intravenous therapy during PCI. Also low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) are increasingly used in this setting due to their favorable pharmacodynamic properties. The exact value of these substances in comparison to UFH is not completely evaluated yet.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Abteilung III, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tübingen.
authors.forename: Harald
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Langer
authors.forename: Meinrad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gawaz
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D005337:Fibrin / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D005337:Fibrin