Background: The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to assess the effi cacy of posterior pericardiotomy in decreasing the prevalence of pericardial effusion and postoperative atrial fi brillation (AF).
Material/Methods: The study was performed in 100 patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) between October 2003 and July 2005. They were randomized to receive posterior pericardiotomy (Group A) or no posterior pericardiotomy (Group B). A 4-cm longitudinal incision
was made parallel and posterior to the left phrenic nerve, extending from the left inferior pulmonary vein to the diaphragm in group A patients. Posterior pericardiotomy was not performed in group B patients.
Results: Early pericardial effusion developed in 6 patients (12%) of group A and 21 patients (42%) of
group B; no late pericardial effusion developed in group A, but did in 3 patients (6%) of group
B. The number of patients who developed postoperative AF was signifi cantly lower in the fenestration
group compared with the control group (10% vs. 30%, p

Keywords: Atrial Fibrillation - prevention & control, Coronary Artery Bypass, Incidence, Myocardial Revascularization - adverse effects, Pericardial Effusion - prevention & control, Pericardiectomy - methods, Prevalence, Prospective Studies