Abstract:Objective To compare the safety and effectiveness of different anticoagulation strategies (bivalirudin and unfractionated heparin) in a rabbit extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) model of cardiac arrest.Methods Twelve healthy male New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to the bivalirudin group and the unfractionated heparin group, with 6 rabbits in each group. An asphyxial cardiac arrest model was replicated, followed by initiation of ECPR, and bivalirudin and unfractionated heparin anticoagulation treatments were administered. Baseline data before the experiment, platelet and coagulation function indicators at 12 and 24 hours after ECPR, and information on thrombosis and bleeding were collected. The coefficient of variation (CV) and the rate of achieving the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) standard were calculated. The safety and effectiveness of different anticoagulation strategies were verified by comparing the relevant results.Results There were no statistically significant differences in baseline heart rate, mean arterial pressure, platelet count, prothrombin time, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, APTT, fibrinogen, and D-dimer between the two groups before the experiment (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in platelet and coagulation function indicators at 12 and 24 hours after ECPR between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in bleeding and thrombosis between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the unfractionated heparin group, the bivalirudin group showed a lower APTT CV (P < 0.05) and a higher APTT achievement rate (P < 0.05).Conclusion In a rabbit ECPR model of cardiac arrest, the effectiveness of the bivalirudin anticoagulation strategy is higher than that of unfractionated heparin, and the safety difference is not significant. Bivalirudin can be considered as a new alternative to unfractionated heparin.