Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: update on the evidence on the available prophylactic interventions

Card Electrophysiol Rev. 2003 Jun;7(2):189-92. doi: 10.1023/a:1027432104518.

Abstract

Post-operative atrial fibrillation is very common. It is associated with increased length of ICU and hospital stay, and costs of post-operative care of patients after cardiac surgery. More then seventy trials on the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions were conducted since 1970's. Meta-analysis of these trials, together with detailed analysis of the largest of these trials suggested that conventional beta-blockers, sotalol, amiodarone and bi-atrial overdrive pacing are effective in prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation. Amiodarone and bi-atrial pacing may decrease the length of hospital stay.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Amiodarone / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Fibrillation / etiology*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / prevention & control
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Length of Stay
  • Postoperative Care
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Sotalol / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Sotalol
  • Amiodarone