Epicardial Application of Hydrogel with Amiodarone for Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of local epicardial application of amiodarone-releasing hydrogel for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients were randomized into two groups: with the application of amiodarone-releasing hydrogel and the control group. It included 60 patients (47 males, 13 females) (mean age of 62 +/- 8.5). POAF incidence differences were statistically significant between two groups: in the study group, the POAF incidence was 3.3%, while in the control group, the POAF incidence was 37% (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were revealed in the PQ interval duration. The risk of POAF incidence was calculated using the Cox regression model: the age and the application of amiodarone-releasing hydrogel application were statistically significant. Hospital length of stay in two groups was also different (p < 0.001). The age and the application of amiodarone-releasing hydrogel were statistically significant for POAF incidence.