Heparin (Noun)
Meaning
A polysaccharide produced in basophils (especially in the lung and liver) and that inhibits the activity of thrombin in coagulation of the blood; it (trade names Lipo-Hepin and Liquaemin) is used as an anticoagulant in the treatment of thrombosis and in heart surgery.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The doctor prescribed heparin as a medication to be administered through IV to prevent blood clotting during the heart surgery.
- Studies have found that heparin is indeed an effective anticoagulant for treating deep-vein thrombosis in patients at high risk of complications.
- Before bypass surgery, the patient will be given a dose of heparin to ensure that the blood remains in liquid form.
- The medical team utilized a low molecular weight heparin in subcutaneous injections to manage this patient's blood clot risk during her hospital stay.
- The anesthesiologist discussed how a drip of heparin would be maintained throughout the operation to mitigate the risk of thrombosis in the coronary graft.