Relationship Between Right Ventricular Function and Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery.
• Right ventricular (RV) function plays a crucial role in cardiac surgery outcomes.
• Predictive markers for POAF are essential for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between perioperative RV function and the incidence of POAF.
• To evaluate the predictive value of RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) for POAF.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, observational study of 92 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.
• Transesophageal echocardiography performed before sternotomy (T1) and after sternal closure (T2).
• Assessed RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) and other RV indices; POAF defined as AF within 14 days postoperatively.

Main Results:

• 27% of patients developed POAF.
• Both pre-sternotomy (RVGLS_T1) and post-sternal closure (RVGLS_T2) were independently associated with POAF.
• Optimal cutoff values for RVGLS_T1 (-16.7%) and RVGLS_T2 (-16.1%) predicted POAF.

Conclusions:

• RV dysfunction is significantly associated with POAF occurrence in cardiac surgery patients.
• Perioperative RVGLS measured by transesophageal echocardiography is a valuable predictor of POAF.
• Echocardiographic assessment of RV function can aid in identifying patients at risk for POAF.