What is the primary use of anticoagulants during interventional procedures?

The primary use of anticoagulants during interventional procedures is to keep clots from forming. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting the blood's ability to clot, which is essential during many interventional procedures where the risk of thrombosis in vascular access sites or during manipulation of blood vessels is increased. By preventing clot formation, anticoagulants help maintain blood flow and reduce the risk of complications such as embolism, which can arise if a clot were to develop and dislodge.

In the context of interventional radiology, the use of anticoagulants not only facilitates the procedure itself but also contributes to better overall outcomes by minimizing the risk of thromboembolic events. This is particularly important since many of these procedures involve catheterization through blood vessels, where the potential for clot formation is heightened.

The other options do not relate to the purpose of anticoagulants in this context. Managing blood pressure is typically addressed with different medications that specifically target vascular tone and volume status. Pain relief during procedures may involve analgesics or sedation, which are separate from the anticoagulation aspect. Similarly, increasing heart rate is not a function of anticoagulants, as this is often controlled through other pharmacological or clinical measures.