Comparative study between levosimendan and intra-aortic balloon pump in high risk patients undergoing beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract

Background: Preoperative left ventricular dysfunction is an independent risk factor for perioperative mortality and morbidity and is also associated with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. IABP improved outcomes in high-risk cardiac patients. However, installation of the balloon has many disadvantages. Recently, a new drug named levosimendan is commonly used as an inotropic support with no increase oxygen demand of myocardium. Objective: The purpose of our study was to compare the efficiency of levosimendan versus intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with poor left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with ejection fraction less than 35%. Patients and Methods: Forty patients with elective multi-vessel off-pump CABG at Al-Azhar University, Air force Specialized and Al-Assema Hospitals were randomized into 2 groups, according to the treatment they received – either levosimendan (Levo group) or intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation (IABP group), and compared with respect to The use of inotropic drugs,  Hemodynamics, ICU stay, hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Results: There were no differences in preoperative characteristics including patients’ age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities. The Levosemindan group had shorter ICU and hospital stays as compared to IABP group with comparable hemodynamic functions, time of mechanical ventilation and mortality rate.