Clinical Question
Should patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation who are undergoing cardiac surgery undergo concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery?
Bottom Line
There is moderate-quality evidence that concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery approximately doubles the likelihood of freedom from atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia while not receiving antiarrhythmic medications at least 3 months after the procedure with a small absolute increase in needing a permanent pacemaker.