In medicine, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is a class of medication used as an anticoagulant in diseases that feature thrombosis, as well as for prophylaxis in situations that lead to a high risk of thrombosis. Heparin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that inhibits coagulation, the process whereby thrombosis occurs. Natural heparin consists of molecular chains of varying lengths, or molecular weights. Chains of molecular weight from 5000 to over 40,000 Daltons, making up polydisperse pharmaceutical-grade heparin. Heparin derived from natural sources, mainly porcine intestine or bovine lung, can be administered therapeutically to prevent thrombosis...