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Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
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.
Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery is a major health problem that is associated with a significant financial burden. This paper aims to highlight this problem and review the current guidelines in the prevention and management of AF after cardiac surgery, providing our experience in the Australasian centers.
Methods:
We conducted a literature review using mainly PubMed to compare the current practice with the available evidence. EMBASE and Cochrane library were also searched. We concurrently developed an online questionnaire to collect data from other Australasian centers regarding their approach to this problem.
Results:
We identified 194 studies that were considered relevant to our research. We did not find any formal protocols published in the literature. From our Australasian experience; seven centers (58%) had a protocol for AF prophylaxis. The protocols included electrolytes replacement, use of amiodarone and/or β-blockers. Other strategies were occasionally used but were not part of a structured protocol.
Conclusion:
The development of an integrated medical and surgical protocol for the prophylaxis of AF after cardiac surgery is an important aspect for the care of postoperative cardiac patients. Considerations of prophylactic strategies other than those routinely used should be included in the protocol. This area should receive considerable attention in order to reduce the postoperative complications and health costs.
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