What is the recommendation for treating new-onset atrial fibrillation after cardiothoracic surgery?
The committee suggested that rhythm control could still be considered for the treatment of new-onset atrial fibrillation after cardiothoracic surgery, but that there may be a reduction in the use of rhythm control in this population and an increase in the use of rate-control drugs instead. Amiodarone is most commonly used as a rhythm control drug, but the need for rhythm control drugs should be reassessed at approximately 6 weeks, and they should not be continued automatically for long periods of time. The committee did not make a separate recommendation for people with pre-existing atrial fibrillation because of a lack of evidence. Most people with pre-existing atrial fibrillation would undergo left atrial surgery to treat atrial fibrillation at the same time.  