Clinical effects of leukofiltration and surface modification on post-cardiopulmonary bypass atrial fibrillation in different risk cohorts
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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Serdar Gunaydin1, Kamil Ayrancioglu, Erkan Dikmen
1Department of CV Surgery, University of Kirikkale, Ankara, Turkey. sgunaydin@isnet.net.tr
Objective:
A manifestation of inflammatory injury to the heart, atrial fibrillation (AF), ranks among the most frequent and potentially life-threatening post-operative complications.
Methods:
In a prospective randomized study, 120 patients undergoing CABG were allocated into two groups (N = 60): Group 1: Polymethoxyethylacry late-coated circuits + Leukocyte filters (Terumo,USA); Group 2:
Control:
Uncoated circuits (Terumo,USA). Each group was further divided into three subgroups (N = 20) with respect to low (Euroscore 0-2), medium (3-5) and high (6+) risk patients.
Results:
Serum IL-2 levels were significantly lower in the study group at T4 and T5 (p < 0.01). C3a levels showed significant differences in the leukofiltrated group at T4 and T5 (p < 0.05). CPKMB levels demonstrated well-preserved myocardium in the leukofiltration group, post-operatively. AF incidence was 10% (2 patients) in the study and 35% (7 patients) in the control cohorts (p < 0.05). Phagocytic capacity on fibers in filtered patients was significantly lower.
Conclusion:
Leukofiltration and coating significantly reduce the incidence, ventricular rate, and duration of AF after CABG via modulation of systemic inflammatory response and platelet preservation in high risk groups.
