Spatial aspects of blood coagulation: two decades of research on the self-sustained traveling wave of thrombin.

In a number of experimental studies, it has been demonstrated that the forefront of blood coagulation can propagate in the manner of a signal relay. These data strongly support the concept that the formation of a blood clot is governed by a self-sustained traveling wave of thrombin. The present review critically appraises the experimental data obtained in recent decades concerning the self-sustained spatial propagation of thrombin. Open questions regarding the experimental detection of the self-sustained propagation of thrombin are discussed.