Levosimendan in Cardiac Surgery: Evaluating the Evidence

J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2019 Apr;33(4):1146-1158. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2018.05.035. Epub 2018 May 28.

Abstract

Levosimendan, a calcium-sensitizing and Adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opening inodilator, has the potential to improve cardiac function without increasing oxygen consumption. The evidence supporting the use of levosimendan in the cardiac surgical perioperative period is not well-established. Recently, large-scale randomized controlled trials studying the utility of levosimendan in cardiac surgery have been conducted. This review examines the physiological and pharmacologic properties of levosimendan and evaluates the literature regarding the use of levosimendan in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Keywords: cardiac surgery; inotropes; levosimendan; low cardiac output syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / standards*
  • Cardiotonic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / standards*
  • Humans
  • Perioperative Care / methods
  • Perioperative Care / standards*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Simendan / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Simendan