Right atrial pacing for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting: A prospective observational trial

Abstract

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the incidence reported between 20 and 40% in first week following surgery. Occurrence of AF is associated with haemodynamic compromise, risk of stroke, prolongation of hospital stay and increased costs. Conventional clinical practice is to treat AF after its onset in the postoperative period. However effective prophylaxis can result in reduced morbidity and hospital stay, with resultant cost savings. The limited efficacy of pharmacological treatment to prevent postoperative AF has stimulated research into alternative prophylactic strategies for the arrhythmias. Several studies in the nonoperative settings, have suggested that atrial pacing may decrease the incidence of paroxysmal AF.