Bi-atrial pacing significantly reduces the Incidence of atrial fibrillation post cardiac surgery

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether either right atrial or bi-atrial pacing effectively reduces the incidence of Atrial fibrillation post cardiac surgery. Altogether 458 papers were found using the reported search, of which 16 represented the best evidence on this topic. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses were tabulated. We conclude that Right atrial pacing is of no benefit but bi-atrial pacing significantly reduces the incidence of atrial fibrillation with an odds ratio for benefit of 0.51 (95%CI 0.36-0.72) from 11 studies.