Methods
This study was approved by the Washington University School of Medicine Institutional Review Board. Informed consent and permission for release of information were obtained from all patients with a waiver of consent. Our institutional Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) database was used for preoperative demographic data, operative details, and complications using STS definitions. Data pertaining to rhythm follow-up were prospectively entered into our institutional AF outcomes database. Missing data were ascertained through chart review, contact with patients, and from referring physicians as needed.