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.