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Published on: February 26, 2013
Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery
W H Maisel1, J D Rawn, W G Stevenson
1Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. wmaisel@partners.org
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery, affecting up to 65% of patients. Prophylactic treatments like beta-blockers can prevent AF, while management strategies focus on rhythm or rate control for affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent complication following cardiac surgery.
- Postoperative AF is linked to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, mechanisms, complications, predictors, prevention, and treatment of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE and relevant references was conducted.
- Clinical and basic research studies on post-cardiac surgery AF were selected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Postoperative AF incidence ranges from 10% to 65%, typically appearing on postoperative days 2-3.
- Beta-adrenergic blockers are effective prophylactic agents; amiodarone and atrial pacing are considered for high-risk patients.
- Management strategies include rhythm control for unstable/symptomatic patients and rate control for others, with anticoagulation for persistent AF.
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation is a significant postoperative complication that can often be prevented with prophylactic measures.
- A tailored approach combining rhythm and rate management strategies effectively restores sinus rhythm in most patients within six weeks post-discharge.
Purpose:
To review the epidemiology, mechanisms, complications, predictors, prevention, and treatment of atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery.
Data Sources:
MEDLINE search of English-language reports published between 1966 and 2000 and a search of references of relevant papers.
Study Selection:
Clinical and basic research studies on atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.
Data Extraction:
Relevant clinical information was extracted from selected articles.
Data Synthesis:
Atrial fibrillation occurs in 10% to 65% of patients after cardiac surgery, usually on the second or third postoperative day. Postoperative atrial fibrillation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and longer, more expensive hospital stays. Prophylactic use of beta-adrenergic blockers reduces the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation and should be administered before and after cardiac surgery to all patients without contraindication. Prophylactic amiodarone and atrial overdrive pacing should be considered in patients at high risk for postoperative atrial fibrillation (for example, patients with previous atrial fibrillation or mitral valve surgery). For patients who develop atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery, a strategy of rhythm management or rate management should be selected. For patients who are hemodynamically unstable or highly symptomatic or who have a contraindication to anticoagulation, rhythm management with electrical cardioversion, amiodarone, or both is preferred. Treatment of the remaining patients should focus on rate control because most will spontaneously revert to sinus rhythm within 6 weeks after discharge. All patients with atrial fibrillation persisting for more than 24 to 48 hours and without contraindication should receive anticoagulation.
Conclusions:
Atrial fibrillation frequently complicates cardiac surgery. Many cases can be prevented with appropriate prophylactic therapy. A strategy of rhythm management for symptomatic patients and rate management for all other patients usually results in reversion to sinus rhythm within 6 weeks of discharge.
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