Anticoagulants in the Management of Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism management has typically been accomplished with anticoagulant treatment that includes parenteral heparins and oral vitamin K antagonists. Even though heparins and oral vitamin K antagonists continue to play a role in pulmonary embolism management, other newer available options have somewhat reduced the role of heparins and vitamin K antagonists in pulmonary embolism management. This reduction in utilization involves their toxicity profile, clearance limitations, and many drug and nutrient interactions. New direct oral anticoagulation therapies have led to more available options in the management of pulmonary embolism in the inpatient and outpatient settings. More evidence and research are now available about reversal agents and monitoring parameters regarding these newer agents, leading to more interest in administering them for safe and effective pulmonary embolism management. Current research and literature have also helped direct the selection of appropriate use of pharmacological management of pulmonary embolism based on the specific population such as patients with liver failure, renal failure, malignancy, and COVID-19.

Recent Developments in Blood-Compatible Superhydrophobic Surfaces

“…As an alternative approach, synthetic surfaces could be developed to prevent clotting and other unwanted events with blood-contacting devices. For years, researchers have studied the pathophysiology underlying thrombosis induced by blood interaction with synthetic materials and have been developing techniques and rational designs to address these issues and enhance blood compatibility [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Key factors to inhibit unwanted interactions between the blood and surfaces include surface free energy, topography, and wettability [ 1 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…For years, researchers have studied the pathophysiology underlying thrombosis induced by blood interaction with synthetic materials and have been developing techniques and rational designs to address these issues and enhance blood compatibility [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Key factors to inhibit unwanted interactions between the blood and surfaces include surface free energy, topography, and wettability [ 1 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. When these factors are taken into consideration, suitable superhydrophobic materials and surfaces can be designed to serve as suitable blood-contacting devices.…”