Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation: integrative review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant risk factor for adverse cardiac events and reduced survival in patients undergoing open heart surgery.
• Evaluating the success of AF treatment, particularly maintaining normal sinus rhythm, is complex.
• The International Society of Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS) developed a consensus statement on intraoperative AF ablation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present published data supporting the ISMICS consensus statement on intraoperative AF ablation.
• To evaluate whether intraoperative AF ablation improves clinical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac operations.
• To serve as an update source for the clinical applicability of AF ablation in cardiac surgery.

Main Methods:

• An integrative review methodology was employed.
• Synthesis of knowledge from significant studies on intraoperative AF ablation was performed.
• Data contributing to the ISMICS consensus statement were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The review synthesizes data relevant to the clinical outcomes of intraoperative AF ablation.
• Evidence supports the evaluation of AF ablation's role in improving outcomes for cardiac surgery patients.
• The findings contribute to understanding the success rates of AF reversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Conclusions:

• Intraoperative AF ablation is a key consideration in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with pre-existing AF.
• The presented data and ISMICS consensus provide a framework for assessing the benefits of AF ablation.
• Further understanding of AF ablation's impact on cardiac events and survival is crucial.