Immediate coronary artery bypass graft surgery for acute coronary syndrome – Outcomes and trends over the past eight years

BackgroundPatients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are indicated for an immediate cardiac procedure represent a high-risk population, burdened with an increased frequency of serious postoperative complications and higher mortality. In our study, we present the outcomes and trends within a group of patients who underwent a surgical procedure at our centre between 2006 and 2013.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data obtained from the National Registry of Cardiac Surgery for the period between 2006 and 2013; the patient population was further subdivided into two time periods, in order to facilitate the comparison: 2006–2009, n = 185; 2010–2013, n = 112. Furthermore, three groups were defined within each of the time periods, according to the main reason for performing the emergency surgery: unstable angina (UA), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiogenic shock (CS). Consequently, corresponding groups in both time periods were compared.The main observed parameter was the postoperative mortality within 30 days from the procedure. Other analyzed attributes included the overall length of stay, length of ICU stay, ventilation time and the number of postoperative complications (reoperation due to bleeding, infectious complications of the sternotomy, renal failure requiring haemodialysis, multiple organ failure, stroke).ResultsImmediate surgical procedures represented on average 6.45% (4.7-9.2%) of the total number of surgeries performed at our centre per year between 2006 and 2013. The number of this type of surgery manifests a downward trend: 7.7% (2006–2009) vs. 5.2% (2010–2013). We also noted changes in the trends of the number of patients undergoing surgery due to UA: 40% (2006–2009) vs. 25% (2010–2013), AMI: 50% (2006–2009) vs. 55% (2010–2013) and CS: 11% (2006–2009) vs. 20% (2010–2013). The thirty-day mortality in the whole patient group was 15.49%: 12.4% (2006–2009) and 20.5% (2010–2013).ConclusionsThe analysis of our patient file shows a decreasing trend in the number of patients undergoing emergency surgery due to ACS in our centre in the course of the last eight years. Between 2010 and 2013, the proportional representation of patients undergoing surgery due to UA decreased, while the percentage of patients undergoing surgery due to AMI and CS increased. Within the population of patients with ACS, we were also able to determine an increased frequency of some risk factors and increased thirty-day mortality among patients undergoing surgery.     

Waiting times and prioritization for coronary artery bypass surgery in New Zealand.

OBJECTIVES: To review the New Zealand coronary artery bypass priority score instituted in May 1996, and specifically to determine whether it prioritizes patients at high risk of cardiac events while waiting. The New Zealand score is compared with the Ontario urgency rating score, and waiting times for surgery are compared with the maximum times recommended by the Ontario consensus panel. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients accepted for isolated coronary artery bypass surgery between 1 January 1993 and 31 January 1996. SETTING: Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Waiting time, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and cardiac readmission. RESULTS: The median waiting times were five days for hospital cases (n = 721) and 146 days for out of hospital cases (n = 701). Of the latter group, 28% waited more than a year, 33% had their surgery expedited because of worsening symptoms, and 19% failed to meet the cut off point set by the New Zealand score for acceptance onto the list. Twenty two patients died, 18 on the outpatient waiting list (waiting list mortality 2.6%, risk 0.28% per month of waiting), and 132 were readmitted, 12% with myocardial infarction and 76% with unstable angina. Risk factors for a composite end point of death or myocardial infarction and/or cardiac readmission were: previous coronary artery bypass surgery (p = 0. 001), class III or IV angina (p = 0.002), and hypertension (p = 0. 005). The New Zealand score did not identify those at risk. Excluding hospital cases, 32% had surgery within the time recommended by the Ontario consensus panel. CONCLUSIONS: Waiting times for coronary artery bypass surgery in New Zealand are considerably longer than those in Ontario, Canada. By using a numerical cut off point, implementation of the New Zealand priority scoring system has restricted access to coronary surgery on the basis of funding constraints rather than clinical appropriateness. The score does not add greatly to the clinicians' prioritization in predicting those patients who will suffer events while waiting.     

冠状动脉旁路移植术后再次急性冠状动脉综合征患者的冠状动脉造影分析

目的分析接受冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)后的患者再次发作急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)的时间与相关血管的关系.方法从本院1997～2001年间因CABG术后再次发作ACS而入院的168例患者中,选出行再次冠状动脉造影的患者43例,男38例,女5例,平均年龄(57.9±10.2)岁,再次发作ACS时间在术后次日至11年间.分析术后再次发作ACS的时间与罪犯血管之间的关系.结果 (1)由原自身冠状动脉血管病变加重导致的ACS共19例,占44.2%,由移植血管病变导致的共24例,占55.8%,其中12例移植血管病变发生在术后半年内,占移植血管病例的50%,且大部为吻合口病变.(2)从发作时间上划分,在术后次日至半年内发作ACS的为14例,占所有分析病例的32.6%.其中12例为移植血管病变所致,占整组病例的27.9%.随时间的延长,引起ACS的相关血管既有移植血管,也有原自身冠状动脉血管远端病变加重的血管,但术后3年内发作的ACS大多数由移植血管病变引起,检出率为75%,特异度为63%(P<0.01),3年后发生的ACS主要为未移植血管的原自身冠状动脉或移植血管远端的原自身冠状动脉血管病变加重所致.(3)所分析的43例患者共置入静脉血管桥99支,病变37支,总病变率37.4%,动脉桥31支,病变9支,总病变率29.0%.两者间差异有显著性(P<0.01).(4)桥病变的发生与患者综合危险因素间无明确相关性.结论 CABG术后3年内发作的ACS,其相关移植血管病变检出率为75%,特异度为63%,尤其半年内发生ACS的患者,移植血管病变检出特异度达89%,而且大部分为吻合口病变.移植血管病变的发生率与综合危险因素之间无明确相关性,但静脉移植血管的闭塞率要高于动脉移植血管.     

冠状动脉严重病变的高龄患者的非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术

目的　总结冠状动脉严重病变的高龄患者行非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术 (OPCAB)的治疗经验。方法　回顾性分析 5 3例 ,年龄在 75～ 82 (77± 2 )岁 ,冠状动脉严重病变的患者行OPCAB的临床资料。 3支病变 4 4例 ,左主干病变 2 1例 ,前降支近端 90 %～ 10 0 %狭窄 2 5例 ,右冠状动脉近端 90 %～ 10 0 %狭窄 17例 ,急诊冠状动脉旁路移植术 13例。 5 3例OPCAB手术全部成功。平均远端吻合口数目 (3.0± 0 .8)个 ,移植物取乳内动脉 2 9例 ,大隐静脉 5 1例。结果　术后并发症 4例 :其中新发脑卒中 1例 ,2次开胸止血 1例 ,恶性心律失常 1例 ,多脏器功能衰竭 1例 ;主动脉内球囊反搏 7例 ;住院死亡 2例。随访时间 1～ 2 4 (10± 7)个月 ,均无急性心血管事件发生 ,非心脏性死亡 1例。结论　OPCAB对冠状动脉严重病变的高龄患者是安全可行而且有效的血运重建方式     

Myocardial infarction during coronary artery bypass surgery — benign event or prognostic omen?

Our observations and experience suggest that an adverse outcome from perioperative infarction occurs predominantly in a defined population of patients. A worsened prognosis and special postoperative interventions need not be anticipated in patients who have simply developed new Q waves after bypass surgery and are free of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and severe degrees of myocardial dysfunction. Furthermore, our data indicates that repeat throacotomy because of bleeding or tamponade early after sustaining a perioperative infarction will adversely affect the outcome of that infarction.     

Dressler's syndrome following pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation

Dressler's syndrome, characterized by features of fever, pericarditis and pericardial effusion typically occurs in the weeks to months following a myocardial infarction. The syndrome has also been described following several other myocardial and pericardial pathologies, including two reports of Dressler's syndrome following radio-frequency ablation. We describe a case of Dressler's syndrome following a pulmonary vein isolation procedure, which is being performed with increasing frequency as a treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation.     

冠状动脉旁路手术后康复

目的 :探讨冠状动脉搭桥术后早期康复运动的疗效。方法 :对 90例冠状动脉旁路手术患者于术后早期进行康复治疗。于胸部物理治疗的同时协助病人肢体各大关节、肌群先被动、后主动活动。待拔除引流管 2小时后 ,督促指导患者先平地行走后下台阶 ,逐渐至上、下 5层楼梯 (5METs) ,每日 2～3次。结果 :所有病人术后第 3日可下床活动。结论 :冠脉旁路手术的术前、后康复对病人早日回归社会有一定意义     

Comparison of angioplasty and bypass surgery in multivessel coronary artery disease

The role of coronary angioplasty in the treatment of patient with multivessel coronary artery disease has not been fully established. We compared immediate and 1-year follow-up results in 60 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty for multivessel coronary disease in 1982 with 41 patients anatomically suitable for angioplasty but who underwent elective coronary bypass surgery during the same time period. Baseline variables were similar in both groups except for number of vessels diseased which was higher in the surgical group. Angioplasty was initially successful in 70% of cases. There were no deaths. Mean initial hospital days were lower in the angioplasty group. At follow-up there were no significant differences in survival, functional class, occurrence of subsequent myocardial infarction or use of cardiac medications. However, 33% of the successfully dilated patients required either repeat dilatation or subsequent bypass surgery because of restenosis or inadequate initial revascularization. The statistical power of the study was limited due to the small sample sizes. While demonstrating that angioplasty can be successfully performed in patients with multivessel disease, definitive conclusions about the comparability of the two treatments are hampered by possible selection bias and small patient numbers. This issue could be better addressed by a multicenter prospective randomized trial.     

Readmission and mortality in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery with fast-track recovery protocol

The development of less invasive methods for myocardial revascularization such as “off-pump” cardiac surgery, and new methods of anesthesia and postoperative care protocols such as “fast-track recovery” (FTRC), have contributed to a significant reduction in postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay after cardiac surgical procedures. The objectives of this study were to identify perioperative risk factors of prolonged hospital stay, hospital mortality, and readmission rates in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) patients undergoing the FTRC protocol. Eighty consecutive patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery with FTRC protocol were included in the study. For the first purpose of this protocol, early extubation is defined as removal of the endotracheal tube within 6 h of arrival at the surgical ICU. The second purpose was to obtain a minimal length of stay in the ICU (<24 h) and hospital discharge within 5 days. We analyzed the influence of the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables on prolonged hospital stay, hospital mortality, and hospital readmission. Three patients died during hospitalization, giving a hospital mortality rate of 3.75%. The causes of hospital death were massive stroke and sepsis. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, hypertension (P = 0.0185), postoperative stroke (P = 0.0001), and sternal infection (P = 0.0007) were identified as independent predictors of hospital mortality. Mean hospital length of stay was 4.23 ± 0.75 days. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that postoperative blood use (P = 0.0095) was the major independent predictor of prolonged hospital stay. During the 30-day observation period, seven patients were readmitted. One of these patients died on postoperative day 45 from mediastinitis and sepsis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age (P = 0.0033) and hypertension (P = 0.045) as independent predictors of hospital readmission. FTRC protocols can be performed safely in patients with off-pump CABG, and the mortality and readmission rates following this protocol were found to be within acceptable ranges.     

Atrial fibrillation independently prolongs hospital stay after coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia occurring in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine whether AF independently prolonged postoperative length of stay (LOS). METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing elective CABG were identified. Baseline clinical variables, postoperative course including the development of AF, and postoperative LOS were recorded. RESULTS: In all, 216 patients (aged 61 +/- 13 years) were examined. Postoperative LOS was 11.3 +/- 6.4 days (median LOS = 9 days). Fifty-five patients (25%) developed AF. Among 16 variables examined, the univariate predictors of LOS included age (p < 0.001), preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (p < 0.001), absence of a prior smoking history (p < 0.05), bypass limited to venous conduits (p < 0.001), postoperative AF (p < 0.001), and the occurrence of a postoperative event (p < 0.001). Length of stay for patients who developed AF was significantly longer than that for patients who did not (15.1 +/- 9.0 vs. 10.0 +/- 4.6 days, p < 0.001). After adjusting for other significant variables, the occurrence of AF after CABG independently prolonged LOS: patients who developed AF stayed 3.2 +/- 1.7 days longer than patients who did not (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Atrial fibrillation lengthens hospital stay after CABG, and its effect is independent of other important variables. Identification of patients who are at risk for AF and successful treatment to prevent AF will likely contribute to major reductions in consumption of health care resources in patients with CABG.     

Awake off- pump coronary artery bypass surgery in 25 patients

Objectives To test the feasibility of the use of high thoracic epidural anesthesia as a sole anesthetic in patients undergoing off pump coronary artery bypass surgery, avoiding general anesthesia. Methods Between October 2002 to April 2003, twenty five cases underwent beating heart coronary artery revascularization without endotracheal general anesthesia, using high thoracic epidural anesthesia and analgesia. All the patients underwent epidural catheterization on the evening before the surgery. Resuits The patients in all received 71 grafts (single n= 11, double n = 5, triple n = 6, quadruple n =3). Six patients underwent repeat coronary artery bypass. Except one was converted to general anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass, the other patients underwent off- pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery, 2 patients underwent grafting via left thoracotomy (MIDCAB) and the rest through mid sternotomy. There was no mortality. Mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 16 . 2 ( 4.2 hours and hospital was 3.0(1.2 days. Conclusions Our experience confirms the feasibility of performing muhiple coronary artery bypasses in conscious patients without endotracheal general anesthesia.     

冠脉旁路移植术对冠心病三支病变患者近期生活质量的影响

目的 观察冠脉旁路移植术(CABC)对冠心病三支病变患者生活质量的影响.方法 将69例患者按其意愿分为两组,CABG组行CABG术治疗,药物组行标准药物治疗.两组在确诊后于治疗前及治疗后1 a分别填写西雅图心绞痛调查量表(SAQ),观察躯体活动受限程度(PL)、心绞痛稳定程度(AS)、心绞痛发作程度(AF)、治疗满意程度(TS)、疾病认识程度(DP)6个维度积分.结果 两组治疗前后整体生活质量有明显提高(P<0.01),CABG组术后各项指标改善程度较药物组显著(P<0.01);CABG组术前TS、DP低于药物组(P<0.05),术后和药物组无明显差异(P>0.05).结论 CABG术可明显改善冠心病三支病变患者生活质量;尽量减少手术创伤,减少术后并发症,术前及术后加强心理干预是进一步提高患者生活质量的重要措施.     

体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术后患者发生低心排血量综合征危险因素分析

目的探讨冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(coronary heart disease,CHD)患者行体外循环(cardiopulmonary bypass,CPB)下冠状动脉旁路移植(coronary artery bypass grafting,CABG)术后并发低心排血量综合征(low cardiac output syndrome,LCOS)的相关危险因素以及对其临床预后的影响。方法回顾性分析2005年6月至2017年6月于安徽医科大学第一附属医院心脏大血管外科行CABG术的310例患者的临床资料,根据术后是否发生LCOS,分为LCOS组和对照组。收集所有患者的术前及术中资料,采用单因素分析和Logistic回归分析对LCOS的危险因素进行统计分析。结果40例患者发生术后LCOS,发生率为12.9%。单因素分析结果表明,患者术前年龄>60岁(P=0.019)、血肌酐浓度(P<0.001)、既往经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(P=0.001)、心律失常(P<0.001)、左心室射血分数(left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF)<45%(P<0.001),术中CPB时间>100 min(P=0.009)、失血量>800 mL(P=0.005)、移植桥血管流量(P=0.032)及多支血管病变(P=0.0031)与LCOS有关。将上述因素纳入到二分类Logistic回归分析,结果显示心律失常(OR=5.802,95%CI:2.290~14.699,P=0.000)、LVEF<45%(OR=7.139,95%CI:2.620~19.452,P=0.000),术中CPB时间>100 min(OR=3.211,95%CI:1.243~8.292,P=0.016)、多支血管病变(OR=5.698,95%CI:2.746~13.567,P=0.002)及失血量>800 mL(OR=0.427,95%CI:0.193~0.948,P=0.036)是LCOS发生的独立危险因素。结论术前心律失常、LVEF<45%,术中CPB时间>100 min及失血量>800 m L是CHD患者CABG术发生LCOS的独立危险因素。     

Determinants of an impaired quality of life five years after coronary artery bypass surgery

OBJECTIVE: To identify determinants of an inferior quality of life (QoL) five years after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients from western Sweden who underwent CABG between 1988 and 1991. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Questionnaires for evaluating QoL before CABG and five years after operation. Three different instruments were used: the Nottingham health profile (NHP), the psychological general wellbeing index (PGWI), and the physical activity score (PAS). RESULTS: 2121 patients underwent CABG, of whom 310 died during five years' follow up. Information on QoL after five years was available in 1431 survivors (79%). There were three independent predictors for an inferior QoL with all three instruments: female sex, a history of diabetes mellitus, and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Multivariate analysis showed that a poor preoperative QoL was a strong independent predictor for an impaired QoL five years after CABG. An impaired QoL was also predicted by previous disease. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex, an impaired QoL before surgery, and other diseases such as diabetes mellitus are independent predictors for an impaired QoL after CABG in survivors five years after operation.     

Improvement in quality of life differs between women and men after coronary artery bypass surgery

OBJECTIVE: To study improvement in quality of life (QoL) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in relation to gender. BACKGROUND: Women generally report worse QoL after CABG than men. However, women are older and more symptomatic prior to surgery, which should be considered in comparative analyses. METHODS: We studied consecutive patients who underwent CABG between 1988 and 1991 [n = 2121] with a QoL questionnaire containing the Physical Activity Score, the Nottingham Health Profile and the Psychological General Well-being Index prior to, 3 months, 1 year and 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Females were older than men with more concomitant diseases preoperatively. QoL was improved on all postoperative occasions for both sexes. Improvement in the Physical Activity Score was somewhat, although not significantly, greater in males. Improvement in the Nottingham Health Profile was greater in females. General well-being showed no consistent pattern for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: QoL is significantly improved after CABG in both sexes throughout follow-up. There is a complex association between improvement in various aspects of QoL and gender.     

Mid-term outcomes of off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate survival and readmissions to hospital for cardiac events or coronary revascularization (REVASC) in patients having off-pump (OPCAB) versus conventional on-pump (CCAB) coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

METHODS:

Of 11,368 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG between 1996 and 2002, 514 had OPCAB surgery. Using propensity scores, 503 CCAB patients were randomly matched to 503 OPCAB patients.

RESULTS:

There were no clinical or statistical differences between the two groups for any prognostic variable. However, OPCAB patients received significantly fewer distal anastomoses than the CCAB group (2.6±1.0 versus 3.1±1.0; P<0.001). There was no difference in operative mortality (OPCAB 1.0%, CCAB 1.4%; P=0.6), but the OPCAB group had significantly fewer operative strokes (0.2% versus 1.8%; P=0.01). Follow-up was 99.7% complete at 2.2±1.2 years (range 0 to 6 years). Twice as many OPCAB patients (n=24) required REVASC compared with the CCAB (n=11) group. The following five-year actuarial outcomes are presented for CCAB and OPCAB, respectively: survival: 77±6%, 76±8%, P=0.8; freedom from REVASC: 95±3%, 92±2%, P=0.02; and cardiac event-free survival: 76±5%, 62±8%; P=0.05. Cox regression revealed that OPCAB was a significant independent predictor of poorer freedom from REVASC (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 4.6; P=0.04) and cardiac event-free survival (RR 1.6, 95%CI 1.1 to 2.2; P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of OPCAB remains controversial. These results, from this early experience, suggest that despite improved hospital outcomes, the lesser degree of REVASC raises concerns about the need for repeat revascularization in the OPCAB group.     

OPCABG术后阿司匹林抵抗的观察

目的 探讨非体外循环冠状动脉搭桥术(OPCABG)后阿司匹林抵抗(AR)规律.方法 应用流式细胞技术,检测56例OPCABG患者血小板膜表面活化标记物CD62P及PAC-1的表达情况.结果 术前口服阿司匹林后CD62P、PAC-1阳性表达率分别为6.04%±5.80%、13.63%±12.70%;术后1 d分别为10.20%±3.40%、15.45%±9.40%,均明显降低(P＜0.05);术后5 d分别为21.02%±16.52%、39.24%±11.53%,与术后1 d相比均明显升高(P＜0.05);术后10 d分别为5.65%±1.12%、16.01%±5.43%,与术前口服阿司匹林后相比,P＞0.05.结论 OPCABG后存在一过性AR.     

Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage following coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding is a relatively common and potentially fatal complication of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. However, little is known of this problem, including its incidence, predisposing factors and safety of endoscopy in these patients. Aim: To document the incidence, site, predisposing factors and outcome of UGI bleeding following CABG surgery. Also, to assess the safety of UGI endoscopy in these patients. Method: Retrospective study of UGI haemorrhage following CABG at one institution between 1976 and 1991. Results: Fifty-five of 10,573 patients (0.5%) suffered a major UGI haemorrhage (as defined by need for transfusion or presence of melaena or haematemesis associated with hypotension). Of 51 patients undergoing endoscopy or laparotomy, 42 (82%) bled from duodenal ulceration. Five patients bled from gastric ulcers and one each from oesophagitis and Mallory Weiss tear. Nine patients underwent endoscopic therapy, which initially arrested haemorrhage in eight patients. However, three patients rebled and required surgery. Eight patients underwent surgery as initial therapy, resulting in an overall surgical rate of 20%. One patient died due to multi system failure following surgery. There were no complications from endoscopy. Patients who bled were more likely to have received inotropic support post-operatively prior to the haemorrhage (p < 0.05) and tended to be older than controls (mean age 65.6 years vs 58.7 years, p < 0.01). Twenty-one of the patients (38%) who bled had a past history of peptic ulceration or dyspepsia compared with 9% of controls (p < 0.001). Seven (12.5%) had previously bled from peptic ulceration. Patients who bled were less likely to have received H₂-receptor antagonists in the perioperative period than controls (4%vs 20%, p< 0.05). Conclusion: Upper GI haemorrhage following CABG is relatively frequent. It is usually secondary to duodenal ulceration. Endoscopy is a safe procedure in this patient group. Mortality did not differ between index patients who suffered a UGI haemorrhage and controls undergoing CABG who did not bleed.     

Effectiveness of triple-site triggered atrial pacing for prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND: Recently, several temporary multisite pacing methods have been developed for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). HYPOTHESIS: In this study, we evaluated the effect of triple-site temporary triggered pacing in the AAT mode on the development of AF in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) at high risk for developing postoperative AF. METHODS: A total of 70 patients undergoing CABG were randomly assigned either to pacing group (study group, n = 35 patients) or to no pacing group (control group, n = 35 patients). The external pacemaker was programmed to pace at the atrial triggered mode at a lower rate of 40 beats/min for 4 days. RESULTS: Atrial fibrillation, defined as lasting > 30 s, occurred in 4 patients (11.4%) in the study group and in 16 patients (45.7%) in the control group (p = 0.003). Sustained AF, defined as AF lasting > 10 min, also was observed less frequently in the study group than in the control group (11.6 vs. 37.1%, p = 0.024). Triple-site triggered atrial pacing was observed to reduce the incidence of AF by 75% and the incidence of sustained AF by 69%. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that multiple-site temporary pacing in the triggered mode is an effective way of preventing postoperative AF. This technique may be used especially in patients at high risk of developing AF.