Abstract
Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a very common problem after heart surgery. Approaches to the prevention of this troublesome arrhythmia, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, are reviewed, with special consideration of the effectiveness of various methods of preventing atrial fibrillation. In addition, the role of clinical pathways and the relationship between the prevention of atrial fibrillation and clinical outcomes, such as hospital length of stay, are discussed. Future efforts should be directed toward optimal identification of patients at high risk for postoperative atrial fibrillation and elucidation of the appropriate role of atrial fibrillation prophylaxis and management of this condition when it develops.