Understanding Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Assessing the Burden of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Observational Brigham and Women's Hospital · NCT04880265

This study looks at how common atrial fibrillation is in patients having heart surgery by using a wearable heart monitor to see how it affects their recovery and hospital stays.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04880265 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing elective open heart surgery by utilizing a wearable electrocardiogram monitoring patch. The study will collect data to determine the burden of postoperative AF, which is a common complication that can lead to increased hospital stays and healthcare costs. By accurately measuring the incidence of AF, the research seeks to provide insights into its impact on patient outcomes and healthcare resources.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 20 years old who are scheduled for elective open heart surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who refuse to participate or those involved in other pharmacological trials may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients, potentially reducing complications and healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using wearable devices for monitoring AF in this context may be novel, similar studies have indicated the importance of monitoring AF in postoperative settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Elective open heart surgery
* Age \> 20 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusal to participate (patient or health care proxy)
* Participation in other pharmacological trials
* Lack of data or poor data quality which cannot be analyzed for any heart rhythm in 80% of the postoperative study period.

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 Atrial FibrillationCardiac SurgeryWearable Device
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.