Atherosclerosis is a multifocal, smoldering, immunoinflammatory disease caused by lipid accumulation. Acute cardio-cerebrovascular disease caused by AS is one of the most serious life threats in the world. Endothelial cell injury, vascular inflammatory stimulation, abnormal lipid metabolism and coagulation disorder are the main pathological mechanisms of AS. Thrombomodulin (TM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein mainly expressed on the surface of endothelium. It plays a key role in maintaining the dynamic equilibrium of the vascular system through its functions of anti-coagulation, anti-inflammation and cell protection. Recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rhsTM), a soluble form of human TM containing the extracellular domain of TM, might be effective in the treatment of AS. This review summarizes the structure and function of TM and the mechanism of rhsTM in the treatment of AS. Aiming to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of AS.