Anesthesiology and Intensive Care

Atrial Fibrillation Prophylaxis is Recommended in Patients Undergoing Major Thoracic Surgery Daniel Cormican , MD, Ali R. Abdullah, MD ,  Joshua Baisden , MD ,  Richard Sheu , MD ANESTHESIOLOGY HAS MADE  the use of systematic processes, review of prior errors, and technology evolve into a model of safety in medicine. The risk of intraoperative complications related to anesthesia is low, and with an increased focus on “value-based” care, anesthesiologists must direct their attention toward the entire perioperative scope of patient care. For patients undergoing major thoracic surgery, postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a specific complication that may be avoided if attention is paid to prophylaxis strategies. The authors believe that prophylaxis is effective, safe, and recommended after major thoracic surgery. Many anesthesiologists participate in the care of patients undergoing major thoracic surgeries, and POAF is an undesired but common occurr...