Von Willebrand factor and the mechanisms of platelet function

Hemostasis is the mechanism that controls thrombosis and bleeding after tissue trauma. In spite of the fact that thrombotic vascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality in developed countries, the basic mechanisms of hemostasis and the causes of thrombosis are still poorly understood. Von Willebrand factor is a key adhesive protein with a crucial role in platelet function and may thus be a key factor in the development of thrombosis. This book provides a state-of-the-art account of the progress made in understanding the structure and function of this protein, providing at the same time an update of the current knowledge of hemostasis and thrombosis.