INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of standard unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular weight heparins (LMWH's). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We modified a previously published rabbit model of arterial thrombosis prevention [1,2] to compare unfractionated heparin and two different doses of two low-molecular weight heparin fragments--nadroparin and enoxaparin. Thrombosis in the distal aorta was triggered by vessel wall injury and critical stenosis. Blood flow in the damaged arterial segment was monitored by a flow probe placed distal to the constrictor. The primary endpoints of the study were: (1) cumulative flow, (2) time to occlusion and (3) residual clot weight. Thirty six animals were split into 6 groups with six animals in each group. Control groups were given saline or heparin and four more groups were used to compare LMWH's at 2 different doses. RESULTS: In our study, all treatments were superior to the saline control group (alpha

University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno and st Ann's Faculty Hosital Brno Czech Republic

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