Small incision during heart surgery may prevent dangerous Post-Op heart rhythm problem

NCT ID NCT07266935

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether making a small cut in the sac around the heart (posterior pericardiotomy) during open-heart surgery can prevent a common complication called atrial fibrillation. 210 adults having elective heart surgery in Yemen were randomly assigned to receive either the extra incision or standard care. The main goal was to see if fewer people in the incision group developed atrial fibrillation before leaving the hospital.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Posterior pericardiotomy (a small incision made in the sac around the heart during open-heart surgery)

What this could lead to

If it works, this simple procedure could become a standard addition to heart surgery to prevent a common and serious complication.

What could go wrong

This is a single-center study in Yemen, so results may not apply to all populations. The procedure also carries a small risk of bleeding or other surgical complications.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

aneurysm or dilatation of ascending aorta aortic valve disorder cardiac tamponade coronary artery disorder atrial fibrillation prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cardiovascular & Kidney Transplantation Centre, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen

    Taiz, Muḩāfaz̧at Ta‘izz, Yemen