The Society of Thoracic Surgeons 2026 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of New-Onset Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most frequent complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with greater morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and cost. Multiple pharmacologic and procedural strategies exist for POAF prevention and treatment, yet practice variation persists. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Workforce on Evidence-Based Surgery convened a multidisciplinary writing group to synthesize contemporary evidence and develop guideline recommendations for preventing and treating new-onset POAF after cardiac surgery.