Concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery for people undergoing cardiac surgery

Abstract

CLINICAL QUESTION: Should patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation who are undergoing cardiac surgery undergo concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery? BOTTOM LINE: There is moderate-quality evidence that concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery approximately doubles the likelihood of freedom from atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia while not receiving antiarrhythmic medications at least 3 months after the procedure with a small absolute increase in needing a permanent pacemaker.