Commentary: Atrial fibrillation after aortic valve replacement: Predict, prevent, protect

When atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs after cardiac surgery, surgeons consider the arrhythmia a nuisance rather than a complication. This reflects natural optimism. Although perioperative AF is most often self-limited, it is associated with increased risk of stroke and death, increased hospital length of stay, and increased health care costs.1 Still, we tend not to worry too much because postoperative AF tends to resolve regardless of treatment strategy.1
Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research