Optimization With Levosimendan Improves Outcomes After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

This study investigated the impact of preoperative levosimendan administration in patients undergoing LVAD implantation. The authors report on outcomes of patients who received preoperative optimization with levosimendan (n=58) versus patients optimized without a Calcium-sensitizer (n=27).
Although the patients’ characteristics have not been different at baseline, the end-organ function recovered to a greater extent within the levosimendan group. In this small group however, the mortality, as well as length of stay and ventilation, were not different within the two groups. The authors state that levosimendan administration prior to LVAD implantation is safe and well-tolerated.