Postthoracotomy atrial fibrillation. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Rapid atrial arrhythmias affect the elderly who undergo cardiac or noncardiac operations annually and have been associated with prolonged hospital stays. This article focuses on new issues leading to the improved understanding of the pathophysiology and mechanisms of postoperative atrial arrhythmias. RECENT FINDINGS: New risk factors and a prediction rule for postthoracotomy atrial fibrillation are discussed. Settings in which amiodarone prophylaxis against atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery is appropriate are contrasted with evidence for postthoracotomy atrial fibrillation. Once atrial fibrillation develops, rate versus rhythm control strategies are reviewed. The most recent recommendations of the American Heart Association Task Force on the management of patients with atrial fibrillation are highlighted. SUMMARY: Recent approaches directed at prophylaxis and acute therapy of atrial arrhythmias are discussed as are recommendations to prevent thromboembolic events.

publication date

  • February 1, 2007

Research

keywords

  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Thoracotomy

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 33846097276

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/ACO.0b013e32801158bb

PubMed ID

  • 17211166

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 20

issue

  • 1