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NCT Number: NCT06159985

Effect of Left Posterior Pericardiotomy for the Prevention of POAF

This study is planned to evaluate the effect of left posterior pericardiotomy for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting. Eligible patients will be randomized to be created or not to be created the left posterior pericardiotomy at the end of the operation, and the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation will be compared.

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Key information

Conditions

Coronary Artery Disease Arterial Occlusive Diseases Arteriosclerosis Atrial Fibrillation New Onset Cardiovascular Diseases Coronary Disease Heart Diseases Myocardial Ischemia Pericardial Effusion Vascular Diseases

Age range

19 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Seoul National University Hospital

Seoul, South Korea

About this study

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery, particularly after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and is associated with prolonged in-hospital stay and increased adverse outcomes, including death and stroke. There is evidence that pericardial effusion can trigger the occurence of POAF. Therefore, this study is aimed to evaluate the effect of left posterior pericardiotomy for the prevention of POAF after CABG.

Patients who are planned to undergo off-pump CABG will be randomized to be created or not to be created the left posterior pericardiotomy at the end of the operation, and the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation will be compared as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include early clinical outcomes and hospital stay.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • patients who are planned to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting
  • patients aged ≥19 years

Exclusion criteria

  • patients who are planned to undergo other concomitant cardiac procedures (e.g. valve procedures, aorta procedures)
  • patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting using cardiopulmonary bypass
  • patients who are documented with paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent atrial fibrillation before operation
  • patients who have a history of cardiac surgery
  • patients who have a history of pericardial disease
  • patients who have severe adhesion at left pleural cavity which precludes effective left posterior pericardiostomy
  • patients who refuse to participate in this study

Treatment and study plan

left posterior pericardiostomy

Procedure

In patients assigned to the study group, a 4-5 cm vertical incision posterior to the phrenic nerve and extending from the left inferior pulmonary vein to the diaphragm is performed.

Primary outcomes

  1. occurence rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation

    Time frame: From date of operation until postoperative day 7

    any short run of atrial fibrillation which occurred during postoperative period before discharge

Secondary outcomes

  1. operative mortality

    Time frame: at 30 days

    death occurred during the index admission or within 30 days after operation

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Seoul National University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Left Posterior Pericardiotomy for the Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: ELIMINATE-AF

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Dec 7, 2023
Registry last updated
Jun 5, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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