Administration of Low-Dose Landiolol Prevents Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Aortic Valve Replacement

30 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic valve stenosis or regurgitation, mean age 70.0 years, 50% male, at a single center in Japan. Excluded: history of atrial fibrillation, prior use of antiarrhythmic agents, pacemaker implantation, any degree of atrioventricular block, or uncontrolled heart failure.

Continuous intravenous administration of landiolol at 3 µg/kg/min for 48 hours, starting upon admission to the intensive care unit.

No landiolol administration (control). Both groups received oral bisoprolol (2.5 mg per day) once oral drug intake became available.

Occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) during 7 days after surgery, defined as AF lasting for 5 min or more or the need for treatment with antiarrhythmic medication or electrical defibrillation.