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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
[Risk factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting. A prospective analysis]
Ricardo Baeza V1, Bernardita Garayar P, Sergio Moran V
1Departamento de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile. rbaeza@puc.cl
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently complicates coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Older age, prior CABG, ACE inhibitors, and longer aortic clamp times increase AF risk, while beta-blockers may reduce it, impacting hospital stay and costs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Clinical Research
Context:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant complication following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- Contributing factors to postoperative AF remain debated.
- Understanding AF incidence and its predictors is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of AF post-CABG.
- To identify risk factors associated with postoperative AF.
- To evaluate the impact of AF on hospital stay duration and associated charges.
Summary:
- This prospective study analyzed 250 patients undergoing CABG.
- AF incidence was 22%. Key risk factors included advanced age, prior CABG, ACE inhibitor use, and prolonged aortic clamp time (>57 minutes).
- Beta-blocker use was associated with a reduced risk of AF. Patients with AF experienced longer hospital stays and higher costs.
Impact:
- Postoperative AF is common after CABG, significantly increasing hospital length of stay and financial burden.
- Identifying patients at high risk allows for targeted preventive strategies.
- Beta-blockers show potential as a prophylactic measure against AF in this population.
Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a relevant complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However there is controversy regarding possible contributing factors.
Aim:
To study the incidence of AF, its risk factors and its repercussion on hospital stay and charges, in patients undergoing CABG.
Material And Methods:
We prospectively collected information from all patients undergoing CABG in our institution, including demographic, surgical and laboratory variables. Exclusion criteria were chronic AF, recent onset AF and patients who needed additional surgical procedures. The primary endpoint was the incidence of AF during the hospital stay. Secondary endpoints were hospital length of stay and hospital charges.
Results:
We included 250 patients aged 62+/-9 years (199 males) in the analysis. Incidence of AF was 22% (54 patients). Multivariable analysis showed that age (Odds Ratio (OR) =1.10), previous CABG (OR =9.39), previous use of ACE inhibitors (OR =3.28) and aortic clamp >57 minutes (OR =3.97) were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative AF. Previous use of beta-blockers was associated with risk reduction (OR =0.43). Patients who developed AF had a longer hospital stay (p <0.001) and higher hospital charges (p =0.003).
Conclusion:
AF is a frequent complication in patients undergoing CABG. Risk factors are age, time of aortic clamp, previous CABG and ACE inhibitors. Beta-blockers may prevent its occurrence. Furthermore, AF has a negative impact on both hospital stay and hospital charges.
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