Botulinum Toxin Injection in Epicardial Fat Pads To Treat Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery

Botulinum Toxin Injection in Epicardial Fat Pads Can Prevent Recurrences of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: Randomized Pilot Study

The aim of this prospective randomized double-blind study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Botulinum toxin injection in epicardial fat pads for preventing recurrences (in early postoperative period) of atrial tachyarrhythmia in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• PAF
• Indication for CABG according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines for CABG surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous heart surgery and AF ablation procedure
• Emergency CABG
• Unstable angina or heart failure
• Persistent AF, AF at the time of screening (planned Maze procedure or pulmonary vein isolation)
• Use of I or III antiarrhythmic drugs within 5 elimination half-lives of the drug (or within 2 months for amiodarone)
• Requiring concomitant valve surgery
• Left ventricle ejection fraction <35%
• Left atrial diameter >55 mm
• Unwillingness to participate