Inotropic Support During Experimental Endotoxemic Shock: Part I. The Effects of Levosimendan on Splanchnic Perfusion
BACKGROUND: Septic shock may cause splanchnic hypoperfusion. We hypothesized that levosimendan would improve systemic and hepatosplanchnic perfusion during endotoxemic shock. METHODS: In 16 anesthetized pigs (31.4 +/- 3.4 kg), a jugular vein, a carotid artery, the Pulmonary artery (thermodilution), the portal vein, and a hepatic vein were cannulated for hemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling. U