Prolonged Posterior Pericardial Chest Tube Treatment to Reduce Rates of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Following Cardiac Surgery

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)

Duration - Up to 3 days post-surgery

Participants undergo cardiac surgery and receive chest tubes as part of standard care. Those in the intervention group receive an additional posterior pericardial chest tube, which remains in place for drainage until postoperative Day 3 or until chest tube output is less than 50 mL per 24 hours.

Daily visits while hospitalized (in-person)

Duration - Up to 30 days post-surgery

Participants are monitored for postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) using the SmartCardia heart rate monitor for up to 14 days after surgery. Clinical assessments continue during the hospital stay and until postoperative day 30 to evaluate recovery and complications.

Continuous heart rhythm monitoring for 14 days and regular clinical visits until day 30 (in-person and remote monitoring)

Duration - Up to 5 years post-discharge

Participants are followed for up to 5 years after hospital discharge to monitor for atrial fibrillation recurrence, stroke, bleeding events, survival, quality of life, and healthcare outcomes.

Periodic follow-up visits and assessments over 5 years (in-person or remote)