Methods: Between January 2011 and May 2011, 94 consecutive CABG patients (68 males, 26 females; mean age 61.4±10.9 years; range 38 to 87 years) who were operated in our clinic were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Logistic regression analysis was performed for the factors influencing the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. The perioperative parameters (Gensini score, Rentrop score, number of revascularized vessels, dominant coronary artery system, revascularization of the dominant coronary artery system, left main coronary artery disease, clinical status on admission, left ventricular dysfunction, and left atrium diameter) were analyzed as independent variables.

Results: Twenty-three patients (24.5%) developed perioperative atrial fibrillation. Twenty patients returned to normal sinus rhythm with amiodarone therapy. In-hospital mortality was observed in three patients (3.2%). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality rates among the patients with and without atrial fibrillation. Left ventricular dysfunction (p=0.034) and left main coronary artery disease (p=0.019) were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. The rate of renal complications (p=0.030) and the need for sternal revision surgery (p=0.003) were not significantly different between both groups.

Conclusion: Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a frequently encountered complication of cardiac surgery. The left ventricular dysfunction is a significant risk factor for postoperative occurrence of atrial fibrillation. Although no significant association between coronary vasculature and atrial fibrillation, the left main coronary artery disease is a serious risk factor for postoperative atrial fibrillation.