Ancrod: The use of snake venom in the treatment of patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: Nursing management

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, also known as heparin-associated thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, was diagnosed in a 73-year-old man who had sustained a pelvic fracture, which was complicated by a left, deep-vein thrombosis. Heparin was administered and thrombocytopenia and arterial thrombosis of his left foot developed, which required amputation of three lateral toes. Four years later, the patient experienced a heart attack, and subsequently postinfarction angina developed, which was refractory to treatment with aspirin, nitrates, and beta-blockers. He was referred to a large, 750-bed teaching hospital for cardiac catheterization and possible coronary artery bypass grafting. An alternative treatment was needed for rapid anticoagulation. Ancrod, snake venom from the Malayan pit viper, was used to lower plasma fibrinogen levels, which allowed successful cardiac catheterization and coronary artery bypass grafting. We present a case study of the successful treatment of this patient with use of ancrod, and the nursing management for patients with heparin-induced or heparin-associated thrombocytopenia and thrombosis receiving this drug.