Based upon Northern New England Cardiovascular Study Group data, the rate of post operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) requiring treatment following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at Maine Medical Center (MMC) is currently 30%. Nationally, POAF occurs in up to 40% of patients post CABG, 50% of patients after valve surgery, 64% of patients post mitral valve and CABG and 49% after aortic valve replacement. Atrial fibrillation worsens a patient's hemodynamic status and increases the risk of congestive heart failure (CHF), embolic events and longer ICU stays leading to increased patient morbidity and strain on financial resources. In the U.S., POAF carries a higher risk of stroke (37% OR 2.0 in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.7), worsened survival (74% versus 87%), and an additional 4.9 days and $10,000-$11,500 in hospital stay costs.