Anestéziológia a intenzívna medicína 1/2021

Levosimendan in cardiac surgery

Levosimendan was developed more than 20 years ago and entered clinical practice in 2000. It was initially indicated for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure. Currently, the use of levosimendan has expanded. Levosimendan reduces mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, as well as reduces mortality in critically ill patients, patients with severe sepsis, reduces the development of acute renal failure, and is beginning to be used in patients after kidney transplantation. Levosimendan is used in cardiac surgery and cardiac anesthesia, mainly due to an increase in the risk profile of patients. The main indication for levosimendan administration is decreased left or right ventricular function.

Keywords: levosimendan, inotropy, heart failure, cardiac surgery