Resolved: Heparin may be useful in selected patients with brain ischemia.

Theoretical Utility of Heparins Heparin reduces development of erythrocyte-fibrin thrombi that form in regions of vascular stasis especially within the heart, in severely stenosed arteries sometimes engrafted on white thrombi, in acute arterial occlusions as fresh tails on existing thrombi, and within extremity and pelvic veins. Unfortunately, heparin use can be associated with severe bleeding, especially if not closely monitored.