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Intermittent heparin infusion

Intermittent heparin infusion prevents blood clot formation by inhibiting thrombin and other coagulation factors through periodic intravenous administration.

Intermittent heparin infusion prevents blood clot formation by inhibiting thrombin and other coagulation factors through periodic intravenous administration. Used for Venous thromboembolism prevention, Acute coronary syndrome, Atrial fibrillation with thromboembolism risk.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Heparin is an anticoagulant that works by potentiating antithrombin III, which inactivates several blood coagulation factors (particularly factors IIa and Xa). Intermittent infusion involves administering heparin at intervals rather than continuous infusion, allowing for periodic anticoagulation while permitting some coagulation recovery between doses. This approach may reduce bleeding risk while maintaining therapeutic anticoagulation.

Approved indications

• Venous thromboembolism prevention
• Acute coronary syndrome
• Atrial fibrillation with thromboembolism risk

Common side effects

• Bleeding
• Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
• Injection site reactions
• Thrombosis

Key clinical trials

• Protocol-Driven Continuous Infusion Versus Intermittent Bolus Heparin During Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
• Cytokine Removal With CVVHD Compared to CVVH (NA)
• Randomized Comparison of Continuous and Intermittent Heparin Infusion During Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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