Bivalirudin is a 20-amino acid peptide with the chemical formula C98H138N24O33 and a molar mass of approximately 2180.317 g/mol . It is a synthetic analog of hirudin, a naturally occurring anticoagulant found in the saliva of the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis . The structure of bivalirudin allows it to bind specifically and reversibly to thrombin, inhibiting its activity.
Bivalirudin works by directly inhibiting thrombin, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the blood coagulation process . Thrombin converts fibrinogen into fibrin, which forms the structural basis of blood clots. By binding to thrombin, bivalirudin prevents the formation of fibrin and, consequently, blood clots . This mechanism is particularly useful during PCI procedures, where the risk of clot formation is high.
Bivalirudin is used in various clinical settings, including:
One of the significant advantages of bivalirudin over other anticoagulants, such as heparin, is its ability to inhibit thrombin directly and reversibly . This property reduces the risk of bleeding complications and allows for more precise control of anticoagulation. However, bivalirudin can cause blood stagnation, so it is essential to monitor hematocrit, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), international normalized ratio (INR), and blood pressure during its administration .