Heparin

Surgeons routinely administer Heparin (an anticoagulant) to their patients prior to specific surgeries as a prophylaxis against venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms (blood clots). It is especially used to prevent clotting in arterial and cardiac surgery. Heparin is also used to dissolve existing clots in the veins, arteries, or lungs. Nephrologists routinely use Heparin when conducting dialysis procedures to prevent clotting.