[Treatment of auricular fibrillation after correction of rheumatic heart disease under extracorporeal circulation].

Of 372 patients operated on for rheumatic valvular defects under extracorporeal circulation, 221 patients had chronic atrial fibrillation. In 41 patients, the duration of arrhythmia ranged from a few months to 2 years. Sinus rhythm was recovered in 22 patients, using quinidine and electric-impulse treatment, and 19 patients have maintained it continuously for many years. Factors contributing to stable and lasting sinus rhythm are an adequate correction of the defect, inactive rheumatic process, and the duration of atrial fibrillation not exceeding 1-2 years. The optimum time for sinus rhythm recovery is 2-6 months after surgery. Sinus rhythm recovery prior to surgical correction of the defect is not recommended.