Atrial Fibrillation Suitable for Rhythm Control in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

This protocol applies to patients with atrial fibrillation who are suitable for a rhythm control strategy and are undergoing cardiac surgery. The planned surgical setting creates the opportunity to address AF as part of the same procedure.

The type of cardiac surgery being performed — whether mitral valve surgery or another cardiac procedure — determines the strength of the recommendation for concomitant rhythm control intervention. Shared decision-making with an experienced multidisciplinary team is central to this approach.

Concomitant surgical ablation during the cardiac surgery procedure is the cornerstone of rhythm control in this setting. An adjunctive surgical intervention targeting thromboembolic risk is also incorporated alongside ongoing medical therapy.

The complete protocol specifies which procedures are recommended versus conditionally considered, how they interact with ongoing therapy, and the full criteria that guide their use — details available via the full regimen.