Risk stratification of postoperative atrial fibrillation in isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: focus on left atrial strain characteristics

Aim. To explore the potential of using left atrial strain parameters obtained through transthoracic speckle-tracking echocardiography for predicting new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Material and methods. The study included 111 patients with coronary artery disease referred for elective CABG. There were following exclusion criteria: recurrent or combined cardiac surgery, cerebral stroke, prior atrial tachyarrhythmia episodes, on-pump CABG, patients with NYHA class 4 heart failure. Patients included in the study underwent transthoracic speckle tracking echocardiography before surgery to assess the reservoir, conduit and contractile left atrial (LA) functions. After off-pump CABG, patients were prospectively observed until discharge from the hospital to record the primary end point — the first-time persistent POAF episode.

Results. During follow-up, POAF was recorded in 11 patients (10%). The median endpoint registration was 4 days. The groups formed depending on the end point achievement were comparable in basic clinical and demographic characteristics and analyzed ultrasound parameters. In the majority of the patients studied, a decrease in LA function was detected. Disorders of the conduit (n=94, 85%) and reservoir functions (n=85) were dominant.

Conclusion. The results obtained may indicate that there is no relationship between the LA myocardial strain parameters obtained during preoperative screening and the risk of POAF in patients with coronary artery disease who underwent off-pump CABG.

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