Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: Prevention and management: The Australasian experience

Mohammed Alawami1, Andrew Chatfield1, Rajaie Ghashi2

  • 1Cardiology Department, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery is a significant issue. Developing integrated protocols for AF prophylaxis is crucial for reducing complications and healthcare costs.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) following cardiac surgery presents a substantial clinical and economic challenge.
  • Effective prevention and management strategies are critical for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current guidelines and evidence for preventing and managing AF post-cardiac surgery.
  • To present the experience of Australasian centers in addressing this issue.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library.
  • An online questionnaire gathered data on AF prophylaxis practices from Australasian centers.

Main Results:

  • 194 relevant studies were identified; no formal AF prophylaxis protocols were found in the literature.
  • 58% of Australasian centers utilized protocols for AF prophylaxis, primarily including electrolyte replacement, amiodarone, and beta-blockers.

Conclusions:

  • Integrated medical and surgical protocols are essential for AF prophylaxis in postoperative cardiac patients.
  • Exploring prophylactic strategies beyond routine use is recommended to minimize complications and healthcare expenses.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
3.6K
Amyloid Fibrils03:03

Amyloid Fibrils

Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins.  Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils. 
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen.   In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...
12.1K
Amyloid Fibrils03:03

Amyloid Fibrils

6.5K
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II01:23

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II

Personality types, particularly Type A and Type B, significantly influence how individuals respond to stress. These personality distinctions are marked by varying levels of ambition, competitiveness, and coping styles, all of which shape an individual's resilience to stressors.
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as...
540
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I01:26

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I

Stress prevention and management are crucial for maintaining well-being and building resilience. Techniques to manage stress include cultivating qualities like conscientiousness, a sense of personal control, and self-efficacy. Each of these traits significantly reduces stress and promotes healthier lifestyle choices and outcomes.
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
344
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V01:28

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V

A social support system is a structured network of personal relationships that provides assistance to individuals facing various challenges, offering a buffer against psychological and physical stressors. This network may consist of family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or other community members who provide resources and companionship. Social support can take many forms, including advice, emotional comfort, practical help, and companionship. Research indicates that these networks can...
303