Hemodynamic effects of Vernakalant in cardio-surgical ICU-patients treated for recent-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most frequent complications after cardiothoracic surgery and a predictor for postoperative mortality and prolonged ICU-stay. Current guidelines suggest the multi-channel inhibitor Vernakalant as a treatment option for rhythm control. However, rare cases of severe hypotension and cardiogenic shock following drug administration have been reported. To elucidate the impact of Vernakalant on hemodynamics, we included ten ICU patients developing POAF after elective cardiac surgery, all of them awake and breathing spontaneously, in this prospective trial. Patients received the recommended dosage of Vernakalant and were clinically observed and monitored (heart rate, invasive blood pressure, pulse oximetry, central venous pressure) in 1-minute-

SUBMITTER: Schnaubelt S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7176672 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature