Perioperative Care
Postoperative AADs and anticoagulants were administered to all patients
unless
contraindicated.[18]
Patients who experienced postoperative ATAs unresponsive to AADs were
cardioverted prior to discharge unless contraindicated (primary
contraindication was documented left atrial [LA] clot). AADs were
discontinued in patients in SR at 2-3 months postoperatively.
Anticoagulants were discontinued at 3-6 months postoperatively for
patients who both had no ATAs on prolonged monitoring and no evidence of
atrial stasis or thrombus on echocardiography, irrespective of their
CHA2DS2-VASc
score.[25] In the
immediate postoperative period patients with persistent junctional
bradycardia were allowed 5-7 days for sinus node recovery. After this
time, if patients were symptomatic, a dual chamber pacemaker was
inserted. Median follow-up time was 4.0 years (interquartile range
[IQR] 1.3-7.5 years). At 1, 5, and 7 years, 94.4% (135/143), 94.5%
(69/73) and 88.0% (35/40) of patients available for follow-up had
documented rhythm data, respectively.