Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Prevention of Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation

(OPERA)Randomized Clinical Trial to Examine Whether Peri-operative Intake of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Will Reduce the Occurrence of Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

This is a large multi-center study to examine whether peri-operative intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) will reduce the occurrence of post-operative atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (CS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or over
• Scheduled for CS on the following day or later, including coronary artery bypass, valve surgery, any other open cardiac surgery (i.e., that includes opening of the pericardium), or any combination.
• Sinus rhythm on current ECG (sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, and ectopy are acceptable).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Regular use (3 or more days/week) of fish oil within the past 4 weeks.
• Known allergy or intolerance to fish oil or corn oil.
• Currently pregnant.
• Unable to provide informed written consent.
• Current or planned cardiac transplant or LVAD