ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of local epicardial application of amiodarone-releasing hydrogel for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients were randomized into two groups: with the application of amiodarone-releasing hydrogel and the control group. It included 60 patients (47 males, 13 females) (mean age of 62 ± 8.5). POAF incidence differences were statistically significant between two groups: in the study group, the POAF incidence was 3.3%, while in the control group, the POAF incidence was 37% (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were revealed in the PQ interval duration. The risk of POAF incidence was calculated using the Cox regression model: the age and the application of amiodarone-releasing hydrogel application were statistically significant. Hospital length of stay in two groups was also different (Ñ < 0.001). The age and the application of amiodarone-releasing hydrogel were statistically significant for POAF incidence.
