Management and prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiovascular surgery

Atrial arrhythmias occur frequently after cardiac surgery, This article dis cusses the incidence of postoperative atrial arrhythmia as well as its prog nosis, potential mechanisms of pathogenesis, and management. Prophylactic t herapy for postoperative atrial arrhythmia is recommended because of the fr equency of occurrence and the ease with which therapies can often be implem ented. Treatments with pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities ore de scribed. Management strategies for atrial arrhythmias that occur postoperat ively, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures as well as ant icoagulation recommendations, are discussed. (C) 2000 by Excerpta Medica, I nc.