Atrial Contractility and Force Kinetics Are Associated with Atrial Fibrillation after Elective on Pump Cardiac Surgery.

This article, published in the journal Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeon, explores the relationship between calcium-induced left atrial and right atrial contractile forces and kinetics, preoperative patient state, and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after elective on pump cardiac surgery. The study evaluated 119 patients who had preoperative sinus rhythm, with 54 patients developing POAF postoperatively. The results showed altered contractile and kinetic conduct of cardiac myofilaments and intact muscle cells in POAF patients before the clinical appearance after cardiac surgery. The authors suggest that detecting these patients preoperatively could potentially change the prophylaxis, treatment, and outcome of POAF patients. [Extracted from the article]