Predictors of diuresis response to levosimendan administration in patients with acute heart failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer and potassium channel-opener, is appreciated  for its effects on systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic and for the relief of symptoms in acute heart failure (AHF). Positive effects of levosimendan on renal function have been also described. The aim of the present analysis was to assess the predictors of the diuresis response to levosimendan administration in high risk acute heart failure patients. Methods We analysed 34 consecutive patients admitted with high risk AHF to one centre and treated in intensive cardiac care unit. Levosimendan was administered on top of other treatment as a 24-hour in…

Cusp overlap technique for transcatheter self-expanding aortic valve implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may cause atrioventricular conduction disturbances and, consequently, the necessity for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI). This is because the His bundle surfaces at the basal part of the membranous septum (in the neighbourhood of the non-coronary cusp) and implant depth greater than the length of the membranous septum may interfere with the conduction system [1]. To mitigate this risk, the valve should be implanted at a high position to minimize the contact of the valve frame with the base of membranous septum. During TAVI, the valve is usually positioned in a coplanar fluoroscopic projection with 3 cusps view, but for a self-expanding va…

Levosimendan in the treatment of patients with acute cardiac conditions: an expert opinion of the Association of Intensive Cardiac Care of the Polish Cardiac Society

Levosimendan is a new inodilator which involves 3 main mechanisms: increases the calcium sensitivity of cardiomyocytes, acts as a vasodilator due to the opening of potassium channels, and has a cardioprotective effect. Levosimendan is mainly used in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (class IIb recommendation according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines). However, numerous clinical trials indicate the validity of repeated infusions of levosimendan in patients with stable heart failure as a bridge therapy to heart transplantation, and in patients with accompanying right ventricular heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Due to the complex mechanism of action,…

MitraClip Implantation in Holography.

Occlusion of the abdominal aorta during coronary angiography with fractional flow reserve due to migration of the left ventricle thrombus in a patient with thrombocytosis

Fully Percutaneous Transaxillary Aortic Valve Replacement With Effective Bailout Plan for Vascular Complications.