Final answer:
Bivalirudin is the recommended anticoagulant for patients undergoing CPB with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended anticoagulant for patients undergoing CPB (Cardiopulmonary Bypass) with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is Bivalirudin. Unlike heparin, Bivalirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor and does not cause a reaction in patients who are allergic to heparin. It is commonly used as an alternative anticoagulant, especially in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Anticoagulants, often referred to as blood thinners, are medications that interfere with the body's blood clotting process. They are commonly prescribed to prevent or treat conditions associated with abnormal blood clotting. Blood clots can be dangerous and lead to serious medical conditions such as stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulants help reduce the risk of blood clot formation by affecting the clotting factors in the blood.