A Prospective Pilot Study on the Combination of CardiaMend and Amiodarone for the Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery by Median Sternotomy (CAMP POAF Trial)
Open Access
- 14 January 2026
- journal article
- Published by IMR Press in The Heart Surgery Forum
- Vol. 29 (1)
Abstract
Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgery and is associated with high rates of morbidity. Oral or intravenous administration of amiodarone is commonly used for treatment and prophylaxis; however, systemic delivery of amiodarone is associated with significant, well-known extracardiac side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining a pericardial reconstruction matrix (CardiaMend) with amiodarone to prevent POAF in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve surgery. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, pilot study that enrolled patients undergoing CABG or valve surgery via complete median sternotomy. The amiodarone-soaked CardiaMend patch was applied intraoperatively. The primary outcome was the incidence of POAF up to patient discharge. Secondary outcomes were time until discharge and burden of atrial fibrillation. Results: A total of 29 patients were included, all undergoing CABG, of whom 10% (3/29) had concomitant valve replacements. POAF was experienced by 10 patients (34%). All patients were discharged in sinus rhythm, and none required a wearable rhythm monitor. Conclusion: The use of a pericardial reconstruction matrix for local amiodarone delivery during cardiac surgery is a safe, potential prophylactic treatment for POAF. The clinical results of this pilot study showed a trend toward reduced POAF following cardiac surgery. These results, in combination with prior research, suggest that a more targeted application of amiodarone-eluting patches could be used to treat the atria and further improve outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05681182, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05681182.Keywords
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