Biatrial Pacing to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation After Heart Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Eslami Massoud MD, Mirkhani Hamid S. MD, Sanatkar Mehdi MD, Bayat Homeira MD, Sattarzadeh Roya MD, Mirhoseini Mahmood MD
Primary Institution: Imam Khomeini Medical Center, Tehran University Of Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
Does simultaneous right and left atrial pacing reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery?
Conclusion
Biatrial pacing is more effective in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation than single-site pacing and results in a shorter hospital stay.
Supporting Evidence
- Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 17.5% of patients in the BAP group compared to 30% in the LAP group and 45% in the control group.
- The mean length of hospital stay was significantly reduced in the BAP group to 6.1 days compared to 9.0 days in the control group.
- The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was also significantly reduced in the BAP group.
Takeaway
Using two pacemakers to stimulate both sides of the heart can help stop a common heart problem after surgery, making patients stay in the hospital for less time.
Methodology
120 patients were randomly assigned to biatrial pacing, left atrial pacing, or no pacing after CABG, with pacing for 4 days.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the double-blind design, but all clinical characteristics were well matched.
Limitations
The study did not include patients with structural heart disease or those on antiarrhythmic therapy other than beta-blockers.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged over 50 years, with a mean age of 61.2 years in the BAP group, 62.6 years in the LAP group, and 60 years in the control group; approximately 60% male in each group.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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