Remote Ischemic Conditioning and Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

A Clinical Study on the Effect of Remote Ischemic Conditioning on Atrial Fibrillation and Outcome After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Recent studies indicate that remote ischemic conditioning can protect the heart and other organs during cardiac surgery. The investigators aim to investigate whether such a stimulus can reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation or other complications following coronary artery bypass surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elective on-pump CABG surgery
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior cardiac surgery (Re-operations)
• Prior atrial fibrillation
• Use of class 1 or 3 anti arrhythmic medication or digoxin Use of intermittent aortic cross clamping during surgery
• Age <18 years
• Left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30%
• Serious pulmonary disease (resting pO2 <90% at room air)
• Renal failure (clearance <30 ml/min as calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula)
• Liver failure
• Use of the sulfonylurea derivative glibenclamide (this drug is known to block any preconditioning stimulus