Used as an anticoagulant during procedures like hemodialysis and cardiac surgery, especially in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). It directly inhibits thrombin, preventing blood clot formation. Commonly administered intravenously for acute treatment of thrombosis in HIT patients and as a bridge to long-term anticoagulation therapy. Also used in diagnostic settings where anticoagulation is needed without interfering with platelet function.