Current Readings: An Update on Prevention and Management of Atrial Fibrillation Post Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (afib) remains the most common complication following cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality and resource utilization. As increasing number of patients with multiple comorbidities undergo cardiac surgery, and, given the overall burden of afib in the perioperative setting, there is growing interest among clinicians to improve diagnosis and management of afib among cardiac surgery patients. Advances in technology, refinements in surgical techniques, and innovations in drug development also contributed to this changing landscape. Despite the promising results of recently published studies on afib management following cardiac surgery, afib remains a complex problem with various presentations. Although myriad medical and surgical therapies for high-risk patients exist, determining patient-specific optimal treatment can be difficult. Understanding the context and relevance of contemporary studies is therefore critical to ensure appropriate patient selection and reduction of overall morbidity and mortality. This review closely examines 5 timely articles that delineate the most important results in the management of afib after cardiac surgery in the current era.