Effect of temporary right atrial pacing in prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Objective: To evaluated the effects of temporary atrial pacing to prevent the atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the risk factors to the occurrence of this arrhytmia.

Methods: We have studied 160 patients who, at the end of coronary artery bypass graft surgery, were submitted to epicardial electrode implantation in the right atrium lateral wall. They were randomized into two groups: non-pacing (NP) group and right atrial (RA) pacing group.

Temporary atrial pacing in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Since its prevention with prophylactic drug therapy has limited success, alternative approaches are desirable. This study examined the efficacy of atrial or biatrial pacing, compared with no pacing, on the incidence of AF after isolated CABG.