Evaluation of Bivalirudin As an Alternative to Heparin for Systemic Anticoagulation in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Objectives: Heparin is the universal anticoagulant for patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. However, heparin has many disadvantages, especially in young children, who develop heparin resistance. Recently our center has used bivalirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, for systemic anticoagulation in pediatric extracorporeal life support.