Prophylaxis to Reduce Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiac Surgery

Summary

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common postoperative complication of cardiac surgery, occuring in approximately 25-30% of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients and 35-40% of heart valve repair/replacement patients. Efforts to decrease the high rates of AF have not made great inroads to the problem. The current standard of care is the use of preoperative and postoperative beta blockers. We propose to compare the use of prophylactic oral ascorbic acid with and without prophylactic oral amiodarone, in combination with oral beta blockers, for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after open heart surgery. The hypothesis is that either drug, or a combination of the two drugs, will be superior and safe when compared to beta blockers alone.

Timeline

Start

2009-08

Primary completion

2012-01

Completion

2012-02

Drugs

Indications