Prophylaxis and management of postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia seen after cardiac surgery. It is associated with prolongation of hospital stay, postoperative complications, stroke, mortality, and increased hospital cost. Several prevention strategies have been proven effective in reducing postoperative AF; in addition, active prevention of postoperative AF is associated with a decrease in the length of hospital stay and a reduction trend in hospital costs. In patients with postoperative AF, restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm and rate control are adequate treatment alternatives in the majority of cases. In severely symptomatic or hemodynamically compromised patients urgent cardioversion is needed. Adequate oral anticoagulation may be indicated for a limited period of time.
Onalan
Orhan
O
Arrhythmia Services, Division of Cardiology, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, A253, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
Lashevsky
Ilan
I
Crystal
Eugene
E
D000465:Algorithms; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003663:Decision Trees; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents