Prophylaxis Against Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: Effective, But Not Routinely Used—A Survey of Cardiothoracic Units in the United Kingdom

Abstract

To establish whether international recommendations on chemoprophylaxis against postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients are implemented locally in cardiothoracic units in the United Kingdom; to determine which drugs are being used, how long they are given, and whether outcomes are monitored. Survey of local cardiothoracic center guidelines. Postal and telephone survey. Senior anesthesiologists and critical care staff in all 37 public cardiothoracic units in the United Kingdom. None. Results were obtained from all contacted cardiothoracic units. Five units (14%) have local guidelines for chemoprophylaxis against atrial fibrillation in place. All use β-antagonists as their primary prophylactic drugs; only one unit uses amiodarone as a secondary prophylactic drug. Duration of prophylactic treatment varies, from 5 days to 6 weeks postoperatively. Thirty-two units (86%) have no local guidelines for chemoprophylaxis in place. Chemoprophylaxis against postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients remains underused, despite its effectiveness and recommendations for its routine use by several international organizations. Departmental guidelines help to ensure routine use, but this survey shows that so far only a minority of cardiothoracic units in the United Kingdom have implemented such guidelines. Awareness of the advantages of routine prophylaxis against atrial fibrillation should be improved and departmental prescribing policies encouraged.