Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass: A Single-Center, 5-Year Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors and explore the mid-term outcomes of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB).

Methods: A total of 165 patients, who underwent isolated MIDCAB from 2012 to 2015, were enrolled in the study and retrospectively reviewed. Patients with preoperative arrhythmia, concomitant surgical procedures were excluded. All patients were continuously monitored for POAF until discharge, and two groups were formed: the non-POAF group (140 patients, 71.4% men, mean age 58.83±10.3 years) and the POAF group (25 patients, 84.0% men, mean age 64.52±9.0 years). Early and mid-term outcomes were evaluated, perioperative factors associated with POAF were analyzed with a binary logistic regression model, and the relationship between POAF and major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was analyzed with Cox regression model.

Results: The incidence of POAF in this study was 15.15%. Patients in the POAF group had a significant higher risk of re-entry to ICU (2 cases: 2 cases=8.0%: 1.4%, P = 0.049), renal failure (2 cases: 1 case=8.0%: 0.7%, P = 0.018), and death (1 case: 0 case=4.0%: 0%, P = 0.018). Binary logistic regression showed gender (male), age were independent risk factors of POAF (P = 0.038, 95% confidence interval 1.082-16.286; P = 0.011, 95% confidence interval 1.015-1.117, respectively), preoperative ACEI or ARB usage was a protective factor of POAF (P = 0.010, 95% confidence interval 0.113-0.748). With a 5-year follow up, the overall MACE rate showed no statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.067).

Conclusions: POAF after MIDCAB was related to postoperative morbidities, such as re-entry to ICU, renal failure, and death. Gender (male) and age were independent risk factors, while preoperative ACEI or ARB usage was a protective factor. POAF has not associated the occurrence of MACE with a mid-term follow-up.