Predictors and impact of atrial fibrillation after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVE: Although an extensive number of studies have attempted to identify predictors of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AFIB) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a strong predictive model does not exist. Prior studies have included patients recruited from multiple centers with variant AFIB prevalence rates and those who underwent CABG in combination with other surgical procedures. Also, most studies have focused on pre- and perioperative characteristics, with less attention given to the initial postoperative period. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine pre-, peri-, and postoperative characteristics that might predict new-onset AFIB in a large sample of patients undergoing isolated CABG in a single medical center, utilizing data readily available to clinicians in electronic data repositories. In addition, length of stay and selected postoperative complications and disposition were compared in patients with AFIB and no AFIB. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative survey. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with new-onset AFIB who underwent isolated standard CABG or minimally invasive direct vision coronary artery bypass were identified from an electronic clinical data repository. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The prevalence of AFIB in the total sample (n = 814) was 31.9%. Predictors of AFIB included age (p =.0004), number of vessels bypassed (p =.013), vessel location (diagonal [p <.003] or posterior descending artery [p <.001]), and net fluid balance on the operative day (p =.015). Forward stepwise regression analysis produced a model that correctly predicted AFIB in only 24% of cases, with age (14%) and body surface area (9%) providing the most prediction. The incidence of embolic stroke was higher in AFIB (n = 8) vs. no AFIB (n = 4) patients, but stroke preceded AFIB onset in seven of eight cases. Subjects with AFIB had a longer stay (p =.0004), more intensive care unit readmissions (p =.0004), and required more assistance at hospital discharge (p =.017). CONCLUSIONS: Despite attempts to examine comprehensively predictors of new-onset AFIB, we were unable to identify a robust predictive model. Our findings, in combination with prior work, imply that it may not be feasible to predict the development of new-onset AFIB after CABG using data readily available to the bedside clinician. In this sample, stroke was uncommon and, when it occurred, preceded AFIB in all but one case. As anticipated, AFIB increased length of stay, and patients with this complication required more assistance at discharge.     

Sleep apnea is associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting

PurposeNew-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains a prevalent problem. We investigated the relationship between sleep apnea and new-onset post-CABG AF during inhospital stay.Materials and methodsWe prospectively recruited 171 patients listed for an elective CABG for an overnight sleep study. Sleep apnea was defined as apnea-hypopnea index greater than or equal to 5.ResultsAmong the 160 patients who completed the study, those in the sleep apnea group (n = 128; 80%) had larger left atrial diameter (40.4 ± 5.4 vs 38.4 ± 6.0 mm; P = .03) and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (52.6 ± 7.9 vs 49.2 ± 6.8 mm; P = .03) than those in the non–sleep apnea group. The incidence of new-onset post-CABG AF was higher for the sleep apnea than non–sleep apnea groups (24.8% vs 9.7%; P = .07). There was 1 inhospital death and 2 patients with acute renal failure requiring dialysis after CABG in the sleep apnea group. None of the patients developed inhospital stroke. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sleep apnea was an independent predictor of post-CABG AF (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-18.1; P = .04).ConclusionSleep apnea is prevalent in patients undergoing CABG. It increases the susceptibility to new-onset AF after CABG, probably related to atrial and ventricular remodeling.     

围术期应用胺碘酮预防心脏不停跳冠状动脉搭桥术后房颤的研究

目的探讨围手术期应用胺碘酮在预防非体外循环下心脏不停跳冠状动脉搭桥术后房颤中的作用。方法采用随机对照的研究方法,将2009年1月至2011年1月在我科进行非体外循环下心脏不停跳冠状动脉搭桥术的患者随机分为试验组和对照组,每组各100例。A组为试验组,术前口服胺碘酮,600mg/d(200mgtid),连续7d,之后改为200mg/d至术前,术后当天开始静脉滴注胺碘酮,负荷量为5mg/kg,之后给予维持量0.5mg.kg-1.h-1,能进食后改为200mg/d口服。B组为对照组,不给予胺碘酮治疗而仅用常规药物。观察两组患者术后房颤发生率及心率变化,同时检测试验组患者术前及术后第2天的胺碘酮血药浓度。结果两组患者的术前一般特征及手术情况相近。试验组100例患者中术后有10例(10.0%)发生房颤,对照组100例患者中有36例(36.0%)发生房颤(P=0.015)。试验组房颤时最大心室率为(126.0±20.8)次/min,房颤持续时间为1.0d,对照组房颤时最大心室率为(150.0±25.6)次/min,房颤持续时间为(3.0±1.5)d(P<0.05)。试验组术后心率慢于对照组,两组Q-T间期、术后并发症的发生及死亡率无统计学差异。试验组的住院时间为(10.6±2.8)d,对照组住院时间为(15.4±3.2)d(P<0.05)。胺碘酮血药浓度平均值术前为(797±136)ng/ml,术后第2天为(763±94)ng/ml(P>0.05)。结论胺碘酮在预防非体外循环下心脏不停跳冠状动脉搭桥术后房颤中的作用显著,能安全有效地降低术后房颤的发生率,缩短房颤持续时间,且无明显不良反应。     

Blood volume after coronary artery bypass grafting

Summary. Patients with stable angina pectoris are reported to have a markedly reduced blood volume (BV). In the present study, average BV was still 19% less than that predicted in 77 men examined 5 years after coronary artery bypass grafting. Beneficial effects of the operation such as relieved angina, absence of medication, complete revascularization status at repeat angiography, and restored physical fitness were not found to be associated with a normalization of the BV. No significant correlation was found between BV and body weight, heart volume, exercise capacity, ejection fraction or left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. The reduced BV in patients with angina pectoris after successful revascularization and the absence of correlation with physiological variables indicate a persisting disturbed regulation mechanism.     

Patient-controlled analgesia after coronary artery bypass grafting

Patient-controlled analgesia is a method of pain control that allows the patient to self-administer opioid medication as and when it is needed. Pain is a personal experience and one pain-relieving intervention may not be effective for all patients. This article reviews the literature on patient-controlled analgesia, particularly with reference to patients after coronary artery bypass grafting. Pain policies and education programmes need to be proactive in addressing staff and patient gaps in knowledge and misconceptions about pain assessment and management. Nurses need to appreciate the nature and importance of research in promoting a more critical approach to patient care and the development of quality nursing practice.     

冠状动脉旁路移植术后消化道出血的临床分析

目的 通过对冠状动脉旁路移植术后发生消化道出血的情况进行分析,以确定其发生的危险因素及防治方法.方法 2001年8月至2005年5月共行冠状动脉旁路移植术582例,6例术后发生消化道出血,其中,上消化道出血5例,急性肠系膜缺血坏死出血1例.按照术后有无消化道出血将其分为2组:消化道出血组6例,对照组576例.比较2组术前、术中和术后的临床资料及用逐步逻辑回归分析的方法确定术后消化道出血的危险因素.结果 582例中6例术后发生消化道出血,发生率为1%,全部治愈.消化道出血组年龄≥70岁、术前高血压、术前脑血管病变、术前心肌梗死、心功能分级(NYHA)≥Ⅲ级、术后低心排的概率明显高于对照组(分别为66.7%与21.0%,100%与51.7%,33.3%与8.7%,83.3%与32.1%,50.0%与13.5%,33.3%与7.8%,P均<0.05);消化道出血组年龄明显大于对照组[(72.00±4.15)岁与(62.53±9.31)岁,P<0.05],左心室射血分数明显低于对照组[(55.67±6.50)%与(64.64±9.53)%,P<0.05],术后输血量明显多于对照组[(1115.00±689.89)ml与(663.44±505.34)ml,P<0.05],术后住院时间明显长于对照组[(50.67±41.59)d与(17.42±9.14)d,P<0.01].用逐步逻辑回归分析表明术后消化道出血的危险因素:年龄≥70岁,术前心肌梗死,术前心功能分级≥Ⅲ级(OR值分别为10、948、9.11、11.53,P均<0.05).结论 冠状动脉旁路移植术后消化道出血的早期诊断较困难,评估患者有无发生消化道出血的危险因素有利于进行预防、早期诊断、早期治疗,早期诊断、早期治疗对降低病死率至关重要.     

Clinical hypnosis for reduction of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

The belief that postoperative atrial fibrillation (PAF) results from transient autonomic dysfunction suggests that interventions such as clinical hypnosis may reduce the incidence of PAF. To explore this hypothesis, we retrospectively compared outcomes between two groups of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: 50 consecutive patients who received preoperative hypnoidal explanation of the surgical procedure and 50 case-matched historical controls who received no clinical hypnosis. The patients who received hypnosis were significantly less likely to experience an episode of PAF (P = .003) and showed nonsignificant trends toward superior outcomes in terms of length of stay, narcotic use, and total hospital charges. Our findings indicate that prospective randomized trials are warranted to further delineate the potential benefit of clinical hypnosis for prevention of PAF.     

Amiodaron in atrial fibrillation: post coronary artery bypass graft

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrilation (AF) is the most common complication following heart surgeries; it often occurs in patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The purpose of this review is to categorize prophylaxes or treatment by administration of Amiodaron in patients with CABG.DATA RESOURCES: We searched google scholar, pubmed, and Cochrane Library databases (the period 1970-2010) for articles on Amiodaron in CABG and cardiac surgery. A total of 1 561 articles were identified, and 30 articles met the criteria and were enrolled in this review.RESULTS: Most studies supported Amiodarone for prophylaxi purpose in patients who were performed with CABG; few papers supported Amiodaron as a drug for treating CABG. The prophylaxis can decrease the incidence rate of AF in CABG, but if it uses as a treatment, the side effect of Amiodaron will decrease because all of the patients will not get Amiodarone. In the other hand use of Amiodarone as a treatment does not influence the length of hospital stay significantly but these kinds of study are so few.CONCLUSION: No appropriate therapeutic method has been defined for AF. At present, the common way of treating AF following cardiac surgery is mainly based on prophylaxis in medical books and references.     

冠状动脉搭桥手术的体外循环方法

目的:总结冠状动脉搭桥手术的体外循环方法.方法:对1998～2003年的132例冠状动脉搭桥手术的体外循环情况进行总结,分析其临床资料、术中搭桥支数、体外循环时间、阻断时间、转流温度、停跳液使用情况、术后呼吸机时间、多巴胺支持率和IABP使用的情况.结果:132例患者平均搭桥3.2支,体外循环时间63～213min,平均132min,升主动脉阻断时间39～148min,平均52min.4:1(血:晶体液)含血停跳液温-冷-温方法灌注结合桥灌,较好地保护了心肌.应用抑肽酶和乌司他丁,更好地做好血液保护和心肌保护.主动脉内球囊反搏在救治低心排患者时起到重要而有效的作用.结论:含血停跳液温-冷-温方法灌注结合桥灌,合理的体外循环方法,充分的血液保护对提高冠状动脉搭桥手术成功率起重要作用.     

冠状动脉旁路移植术后脑部并发症的监护

冠状动脉旁路移植术（CABG）能改善心肌供血,有效地缓解或解除患者心绞痛症状,避免心肌梗死的发生,从而提高患者的生活质量,延长寿命,是目前公认的治疗多支冠状动脉严重病变最有效和持久的方法^[1],已在国内广泛开展,但冠状动脉旁路移植术后的患者面临着许多并发症的威胁,脑部并发症即是其中之一,它是冠状动脉旁路移植术后导致死亡和生活质量下降的主要原因。从2003年10月-2008年4月,我科共做冠状动脉旁路移植术35例,发生脑部并发症3例,其中1例死亡,其余患者康复出院。现将护理经验报道如下。     

Health-related quality of life after coronary artery bypass grafting

Title.  Health-related quality of life after coronary artery bypass grafting.
Aim.  The purpose of this study was to monitor changes in health-related quality of life and to identify associated factors among patients having coronary artery bypass grafting and their significant others.
Background.  Heart disease and its treatment affects the lives of both patients and their significant others, and the early stage of recovery from surgery causes particular anxiety for both.
Method.  In this longitudinal study, three sets of questionnaire data were collected 1, 6 and 12 months after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery from patients and significant others at one university hospital in Finland in 2001–2005. We recruited all patients who had been admitted for elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery during the period specified. The data consisted of the responses from those patients and significant others who had completed all three questionnaires and for whom patient–significant other pairs existed ( n  = 163).
Findings.  Patients' and their significant others' health-related quality of life was at its lowest one month after the operation and improved during follow-up. The change in the mean health-related quality of life score differed between patients and significant others; the improvement in the patients' health-related quality of life was greater than that in the significant others. Neither the background variables used in the study nor social support were associated with change in health-related quality of life.
Conclusion.  Further research is needed to identify factors explaining the change in health-related quality of life to develop interventions to support patients and significant others.     

Pacing of Bachmann's bundle after coronary artery bypass grafting

The purpose of this randomized, prospective trial was to determine if Bachmann's bundle pacing reduces the incidence of AF after CABG. The study included 161 patients with no history of AF who were randomized to three groups. Group 1 included 50 patients as controls. Group 2 included 60 patients who had an epicardial wire placed at the lateral wall of the right atrium. In the 51 patients of group 3, the wire was placed at the Bachmann's bundle. In groups 2 and 3, atrial pacing (AAI 96 beats/min) was initiated immediately after CABG and continued for 5 days. The study endpoint was AF lasting > or = 1 minute. Baseline clinical parameters were similar in all three groups. The incidence of AF was not reduced by pacing (group 1: 42%; group 2:48%; group 3:37%; P = NS). The paced P wave duration was increased in group 2 (129 +/- 14 ms vs group 3: 96 +/- 21 ms; P < 0.05). Paced P wave duration was a risk factor for postoperative AF (odds ratio 1.015; 95% CI 1.0021-1.028; P < 0.05). Analysis comparing the pacing groups revealed a reduction in AF during Bachmann's bundle pacing (50 vs 29%; P < 0.01). Pacing thresholds were significantly better at Bachmann's bundle compared to group 2. In conclusion, an anatomically guided pacing at the Bachmann's bundle does not reduce the overall incidence of postoperative AF compared to controls. However, the Bachmann's bundle offers favorable capabilities for postoperative a trial pacing, and thus it is a preferable site for electrode placement if postoperative atrial pacing is required.