What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to investigate the relationship between completeness of coronary revascularization and the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) influenced by antiplatelet therapy.

March 4, 2026Open Access

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Impacted by Completeness of Coronary Revascularization and Antiplatelet Regimen.

Key Result

Incomplete revascularization was linked to higher postoperative atrial fibrillation rates after OPCABG with clopidogrel-based DAPT, but not with ticagrelor-based DAPT.

Key Points

The research aims to investigate the relationship between completeness of coronary revascularization and the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) influenced by antiplatelet therapy.
Analyzed rates of POAF post-off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG)
Compared patients receiving clopidogrel-based dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and ticagrelor-based DAPT
Investigated the completeness of coronary revascularization as a variable
Higher incidence of POAF in patients with incomplete revascularization while on clopidogrel-based DAPT
No significant difference in POAF rates in patients on ticagrelor-based DAPT
Findings suggest completeness of revascularization affects POAF risk influenced by the type of antiplatelet regimen.

Structured PICO

Does incomplete revascularization increase the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing OPCABG, and is this risk modified by the choice of DAPT regimen?

Population

Patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG)

Intervention

Incomplete revascularization (IR) with clopidogrel-based or ticagrelor-based dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)

Comparator

Complete revascularization

Outcome

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF)hard clinical

Ticagrelor-based DAPT may mitigate the increased risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation associated with incomplete revascularization after off-pump CABG compared to clopidogrel-based DAPT.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

IR was associated with a higher rate of POAF after OPCABG in patients receiving clopidogrel-based DAPT, but not in those receiving ticagrelor-based DAPT.