What is a preventive measure for LV and aortic root thrombus?

Adequate anticoagulation is crucial for the prevention of left ventricular (LV) and aortic root thrombus formation. In patients at risk of thrombus, particularly those undergoing ECMO, maintaining appropriate levels of anticoagulation helps to reduce the likelihood of clot development. This is especially important because stagnant blood flow in the heart chambers and around the aortic root can lead to thrombus formation, which can have severe complications, including embolic events.

Anticoagulation therapy works by inhibiting the coagulation cascade, therefore reducing the ability of the blood to clot and mitigating the risk of thrombus. It is essential to closely monitor anticoagulation levels to strike a balance where bleeding risks are minimized while ensuring effective prevention of thrombus formation.

Other measures, such as increasing heart rate, keeping the patient hypertensive, or using more fluid, do not address the underlying coagulation issues effectively. They may even contribute to increased risk or adverse effects, rather than offering a preventive approach.