Preventing Atrial Fibrillation After Heart Surgery with Amiodarone
Official title: Assessment of Intra-Operative Atrial Fibrillation Inducibility As a Screening Tool to Prevent Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation With Prophylaxis Amiodarone
Run by Stanford University · NCT03868150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2017 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2050 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03868150 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have explored similar preventive measures for postoperative atrial fibrillation, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anson Lee, MD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Anson Lee, MD
- Email: ansonlee@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-724-7500
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Can short-term atorvastatin around surgery help prevent atrial fibrillation after lung surgery?
This trial tests whether giving a short course of atorvastatin around surgery can reduce new atrial fibrillation after lung resection in adults aged 60 and older.
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Quality of life after atrial fibrillation following heart surgery
This project will see how atrial fibrillation that starts after heart surgery affects quality of life in adults having cardiac operations.
-
Using radiofrequency ablation to prevent atrial fibrillation after heart surgery
This study is testing if a special heart procedure can help prevent new cases of atrial fibrillation in patients after they have heart surgery.
-
Smartwatch detection of atrial fibrillation after thoracic (lung) surgery
This test sees if a smartwatch's single-lead ECG can find atrial fibrillation early in adults who recently had major thoracic surgery (lobectomy or pneumonectomy).
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Assessing right atrial strain to predict postoperative atrial fibrillation after heart surgery
This study is testing if measuring right atrial strain can help predict the risk of developing atrial fibrillation after heart surgery in adults.
-
Using Atorvastatin to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation in heart surgery patients
This study is testing if taking Atorvastatin before and after heart surgery can help prevent a common heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation in patients who are having their aortic valve replaced.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.