Herz
-
Clinical Trial
Safety and effectiveness of levosimendan in patients with predominant right heart failure.
Levosimendan is a new calcium sensitizer that enhances the contractile force of the myocardium and exhibits additional vasodilating properties. The present study describes the hemodynamic effects of levosimendan in patients with acute predominant right heart failure in need of inotropic therapy. ⋯ Levosimendan therapy is feasible and improves hemodynamics in patients with acute predominant right heart failure. Augmentation in RVSWI indicates an increase in right ventricular contractility rather than reduction in afterload as a possible pathophysiological mechanism.