No decrease in incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract

Background: With the introduction of beating heart surgery, there has been a renewed interest in the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A small number of studies have reported markedly decreased incidences of postoperative AF in patients undergoing off-pump CABG. Aims: The aim of the present study was to review the incidence of AF in patients undergoing off-pump CABG at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of 80 patients who had elective first-time CABG off-pump over a 16-month period. These patients were matched with 80 patients who underwent CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass (..