Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
"The Big Little Problem"
Atrial Fibrillation – Most Common Arrhythmia
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Affects the upper chambers of the heart (atria
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Rapid heartbeat
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Chaotic, irregular quivering of the atria
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Heart pumps blood poorly
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Pooling may form a clot
Clinical Risk
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While acute atrial fibrillation (AF) may sometimes be clinically silent, it’s not benign!
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Postoperative (POAF) atrial fibrillation in the acute setting may transition to persistent or permanent (chronic) AF and result in debilitating symptoms
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If left untreated, POAF can increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, ventricular arrhythmias, and mortality
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AF is associated with a five-fold risk of stroke
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POAF is a “must treat” medical situation!
Postoperative Surgical Recovery
or ICU
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Postoperative or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs after surgery while the patient is in recovery or ICU
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Persistent postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) may require additional staff to adequately treat the arrhythmia.
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Ablation and/or a pacemaker for more persistent AF
Surgery
Coronary Artery By-pass Graft (CABG)
Valve Repair
Valve Replacement
Prevalence
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Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication from cardiovascular surgery, occurring in up to 40-60% of patients
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There are no diagnostic tools to identify which patients will experience POAF
POAF Stakeholders
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Patients
- Providers: Hospitals (Institutions) and Physicians (CVS Surgeons, Critical Care Teams, Perioperative Specialist
- Payers (Government and Commercial Insurers)