Fondaparinux as an Alternative Anticoagulant in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in the Patient with a Ventricular Assist Device

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a reaction associated with the use of this drug. It occurs in up to 3% of patients treated for at least 5 days. Its treatment is to stop the heparin, and according to patient needs, replace it with another anticoagulant. We present a patient who, after a heart transplant, and the need for a ventricular assist device, required anticoagulation. The patient developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Heparin was stopped and anticoagulation was replaced by fondaparinux. The peri-operative complications and the management of the coagulation are described.