Cardiology>>>>>Arrythmias
Question 82#

Which of the following mechanisms is responsible for AFib occurring in the immediate postoperative period after a maze procedure?

A. Change in the atrial refractory period as a result of the surgical manipulation
B. Autonomic imbalance as a result of the surgical intervention
C. Misplacement of a suture line
D. An incomplete or omitted suture line
E. Inhibition of atrial natriuretic peptide secretion as a result of the surgical manipulation

Correct Answer is A

Comment:

Change in the atrial refractory period as a result of the surgical manipulation. The occurrence of AFib post-cardiac surgery is believed to be related to shortening of the refractory period of atrial tissue as it recovers from surgical manipulation, cardioplegia, and, potentially, ischemia. This nonuniformity of recovery results in reentry as the mechanism of AFib.