antithrombotic physiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
Prevention of the coagulation cascade promoting a thrombus throughout the circulation resides with a number of physiological systems:
- the fibrinolytic system
- the antithrombin system
- fibrin fragments, by-products of the fibrinolytic system, inhibit the formation of fibrin
- heparin from endogenous mast and endothelial cells
In practice, the systems interact in a dynamic manner towards a final common pathway of fibrin dissolution.
If required, non-physiological stimulation - with anticoagulants and thrombolytics - and inhibition - e.g. with tranexamic acid, aprotinin, desmopressin and ethmasylate - can modulate the system.