Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2011
Prophylaxis against atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: effective, but not routinely used--a survey of cardiothoracic units in the United kingdom.
To establish whether international recommendations on chemoprophylaxis against postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients are implemented locally in cardiothoracic units in the United Kingdom; to determine which drugs are being used, how long they are given, and whether outcomes are monitored. ⋯ Chemoprophylaxis against postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients remains underused, despite its effectiveness and recommendations for its routine use by several international organizations. Departmental guidelines help to ensure routine use, but this survey shows that so far only a minority of cardiothoracic units in the United Kingdom have implemented such guidelines. Awareness of the advantages of routine prophylaxis against atrial fibrillation should be improved and departmental prescribing policies encouraged.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 2011
Editorial CommentThe post-BART anti-fibrinolytic dilemma?