Atrial fibrillation occurring early after cardiovascular surgery: impact of the surgical procedure

Postoperative atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) is still the most common complication after cardiovascular surgery, and it is important to determine the risk factors in order to establish effective management for recent postoperative AF. This study investigated the clinical predictors of postoperative AF using a prospectively collected database. A total of 418 patients underwent cardiovascular surgery and were enrolled in this study. The relationship between postoperative AF and perioperative factors was examined. Postoperative AF occurred in 134 patients (32.1 %). A univariate analysis showed that an older age, hypertension, perioperative transfusion, use of cardiopulmonary bypass and thoracic aortic surgery were significantly associated with postoperative AF. The incidence of fibrillation was 49.4 % (39/79) in patients having aortic surgery. A multivariate analysis revealed that an older age, transfusion, and aortic surgery were all independent predictors of postoperative AF. An older age, transfusion, and aortic surgery are strong independent predictors of postoperative AF. These findings help to identify high-risk patients for AF after cardiovascular surgery. Careful perioperative management is required for older patients undergoing aortic surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.