Preventing Atrial Fibrillation After Heart Surgery with Amiodarone

Assessment of Intra-Operative Atrial Fibrillation Inducibility As a Screening Tool to Prevent Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation With Prophylaxis Amiodarone

Phase 4 Interventional Stanford University · NCT03868150

This study is testing if giving amiodarone before heart surgery can help prevent atrial fibrillation in patients who are at risk for it.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stanford, California)
Trial IDNCT03868150 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing first-time cardiac surgery. Prior to cardiopulmonary bypass, patients will undergo rapid atrial pacing to assess their heart's susceptibility to atrial fibrillation. Those who show inducible atrial fibrillation will be randomly assigned to receive either prophylactic amiodarone treatment or no treatment, while those who do not show inducibility will receive standard postoperative care. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in reducing the incidence of POAF.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for first-time non-emergent open-heart surgery with normal sinus rhythm and no history of atrial fibrillation.

Not a fit: Patients with a prior history of atrial fibrillation or those requiring surgical treatment for atrial arrhythmias will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, improving recovery and outcomes for cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar preventive measures for postoperative atrial fibrillation, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients scheduled for first-time non-emergent open-heart surgery for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) revascularization, valvular repair or replacement, combined CABG with valve repair or replacement, or valve sparing aortic root repair
* Normal sinus rhythm
* No documented history of atrial fibrillation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior surgical procedures involving heart surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass
* Any prior documented history of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia lasting longer than 30 seconds
* Prior history of Amiodarone treatment for the management of supraventricular tachy-arrhythmias
* Patients requiring surgical treatment of atrial arrhythmias such as pulmonary vein isolation or Maze procedure.

Where this trial is running

Stanford, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.