Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common of all clinically sustained heart arrhythmias with associated morbidities (shortness of breath, fatigue, and stroke). The maze cardiac surgical procedure is a new treatment option available for patients who have medical refractory AF. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a written postdischarge protocol was necessary to improve outcomes following the maze procedure. Only 3 (27%) patients with AF were actively treated by an arrhythmia protocol for restoration of sinus rhythm. Unnecessary pharmacologic management for AF was found in 44 patients with normal sinus rhythm. A postdischarge protocol was developed that improved outcomes.