Organization releases guidelines for post-op atrial fibrillation
The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) in Northbrook, IL, has released evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and management of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery. The guidelines, published in the August issue of CHEST, offer specific recommendations on cardiac pacing, anticoagulation therapy, pharmaceutical prophylaxis, intraoperative interventions, and pharmacologic control of ventricular rate and rhythm.
The guidelines recommend the use of beta-blockers over calcium channel blockers for general prevention of postoperative AF and control of ventricular rate. The guidelines also recommend against the routine use of magnesium and digitalis for the prevention of postoperative AF. Amiodarone may be considered for patients in whom beta-blockers are contraindicated and as therapy for postoperative sinus rhythm control. In regard to the prevention of thromboembolism, the guidelines recommend cautious anticoagulation therapy for patients in whom AF has persisted for more than 48 hours.
The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) in Northbrook, IL, has released evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and management of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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