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

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.