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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

[Postoperative atrial fibrillation: etiopathogenesis, prevention and therapy]

Pasqualina Calisi1, Raffaele Griffo

  • 1U.O. Cardiologia Riabilitativa, Ospedale La Colletta, 16011 Arenzano (GE). cardiocolletta@libero.it

Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease = Archivio Monaldi Per Le Malattie Del Torace
|November 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Post-operative atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac surgery complication, increasing stroke risk and hospital stays. Understanding its causes is key to developing effective prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery

Context:

  • Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent complication following cardiac surgery.
  • It significantly elevates the risk of stroke, thromboembolic events, and heart failure.

Purpose:

  • To review current knowledge on post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF).
  • To explore the complex etiopathogenesis of POAF.
  • To identify factors influencing POAF development for preventive treatment.

Summary:

  • POAF leads to a threefold higher risk of stroke compared to sinus rhythm.
  • It results in prolonged hospital stays and considerable economic costs.
  • The complex mechanisms underlying POAF contribute to the lack of consensus on routine prophylaxis.

Impact:

  • Informing the development of targeted preventive strategies for POAF.
  • Improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with cardiac surgery.
  • Guiding future research into the underlying mechanisms of POAF.

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