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.