Heparin. Efficacy and safety after arterial operations
G. J. Collins Jr, N. M. Rich, G. P. Clagett, M. J. Spebar and J. M. Salander
Hemorrhage is the most serious side effect of heparin sodium use. Under
several circumstances, one may need to administer heparin to patients who
have had recent peripheral vascular operations. Avoiding an inordinate
number of hemorrhagic complications is mandatory after such operations.
Side effects appear to be minimized by administering heparin by continuous
intravenous (IV) infusion. Nineteen patients with recent peripheral
vascular operations were given heparin by continuous IV infusion. A known
hemorrhagic complication developed in only one. The degree of hemorrhage
was mild and did not necessitate cessation of treatment with heparin. None
of the patients whose mean activated partial thromboplastin times were in
the therapeutic range experienced thrombotic complications while receiving
heparin.
