bivalirudin
Pronunciation: bye-VAL-ih-roo-din
A direct thrombin inhibitor anticoagulant used during percutaneous coronary intervention as an alternative to heparin.
Full Definition
Bivalirudin is a synthetic analog of hirudin that acts as a direct, reversible thrombin inhibitor used for anticoagulation during PCI. Unlike heparin, bivalirudin does not require antithrombin as a cofactor and provides more predictable anticoagulation with lower risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The drug has a short half-life and is metabolized independently of renal function for the majority of its clearance. Bivalirudin has been shown to reduce bleeding complications compared to heparin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in certain patient populations.
Usage
Usage note: Brand name Angiomax may appear in some clinical contexts.
In Context
- "Bivalirudin was chosen as the anticoagulant due to the patient's history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia." — Procedural planning note
- "The use of bivalirudin significantly reduced major bleeding events in the high-risk PCI cohort." — Clinical trial publication