Evaluation of aprotinin and tranexamic acid in different in vitro and in vivo models of fibrinolysis, coagulation and thrombus formation.

Background: The serine protease inhibitor aprotinin and plasminogen inhibitor tranexamic acid are used in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery to reduce bleeding. Clinicians may consider these agents as readily substitutable regarding their pharmacological profiles.

Objective: These agents were evaluated in assays of hemostasis to elucidate their underlying mechanism(s) of action.