Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common preoperative comorbidity and post-operative complication associated with cardiac surgery and is recognized as a significant predictor of adverse clinical outcomes. This review aims to highlight the current literature regarding the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. A literature search of relevant articles was conducted via PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE. Pre-existing AF is seen in 6.3%-35.2% of SAVR patients and 15.7%-48.9% of TAVR patients and is associated with increased risk of mortality (OR = 2.2) and stroke (OR = 5.9). Postoperative AF (POAF) is more common after SAVR and in patients with hemodynamic instability. The rates for POAF range from 11.1%-84% following SAVR and range from 3.0%-55.6% following TAVR. In-hospital mortality (7.8% vs. 3.4%; P < 0.01) and stroke (4.7% vs. 2.0%; P < 0.01) are higher in the POAF group. POAF can be prevented via prophylactic antiarrhythmic medications and atrial pacing. Therapeutic anticoagulation is recommended as it reduces the risk of thrombotic complications following SAVR and TAVR procedures in the setting of POAF. Compared to those not on anticoagulant therapies, patients on anticoagulation have decreased rates of stroke (1.7% vs. 5.5%) and fewer 30-day thrombotic complications (3% vs. 40%). These preventive measures are essential as POAF is associated with more thromboembolic events, longer hospital stays, and higher overall morbidity and mortality rates.
Highlights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common comorbidity among patients undergoing cardiac surgery
This review aims to highlight the current literature regarding the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures
Pre-existing atrial fibrillation has been seen in 6.3% to 35.2% of SAVR patients and 15.7% to 48.9% of patients undergoing TAVR and has a higher prevalence in patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation, moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation, and pulmonary hypertension
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common comorbidity among patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Symptomatic AS can further contribute to hemodynamic complications and can be fatal despite medical management as the 5-year mortality rate is 50%-60%, and the 10-year mortality rate is 90%[2,3]. Procedures such as surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can treat aortic stenosis. These procedures are associated with high rates of pre-operative and post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF). We highlight the relevant literature regarding incidence rates, predictors, management, and prevention of preoperative and postoperative AF following SAVR/TAVR procedures
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