Prise en charge de la fibrillation atriale lors de la période périopératoire

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arythmic disorder. Anaesthesiologists have to deal either with chronic atrial fibrillation or with acute episodes occurring during the perioperative period. Atrial fibrillation conveys two risks: acute hemodynamic instability and thromboembolic complication. The management of atrial fibrillation must keep in mind two features: acute atrial fibrillation is commonly of short duration, the hemorrhagic risk of anticoagulation can be greater than the risk of thrombotic complication. New antiarhythmic or antithrombotic agents are under evaluation and will be available soon.