A Study Of Stellate Ganglion Blockade With Liposomal Bupivacaine In Preventing Atrial Fibrillation After Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is assess the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) within one week of surgery in patients who receive pre-surgical stellate ganglion blockade with liposomal bupivacaine, compared to those receiving a saline placebo, using continuous electrocardiographic monitoring via wearable ECG devices.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged ≥40 years scheduled to undergo isolated coronary artery bypass grafting will be eligible.
* Cases will also remain eligible if, after the initial surgical listing, additional procedures-such as valvular interventions or septal myectomy-are performed, OR if coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is listed as the primary intervention with other procedures noted as possible additional interventions.
* Cases will also remain eligible if additional procedures-such as left atrial appendage ligation, MAZE procedure, cryotherapy, or pulmonary vein isolation-are concomitantly listed with the CABG.

Exclusion criteria:

* Permanent atrial fibrillation
* Mechanical circulatory support implant or explant
* Procedures not requiring cardiopulmonary bypass
* Heart and/or lung transplant patients
* Active infection/sepsis
* Pre-operative anti-arrhythmic use (aside from beta-blockers).
* Participant has a known allergy to adhesives or hydrogels.
* Participant has a visible skin injury or broken skin at the location for study device placement.
* Participant does not have the competency to wear the device for the prescribed patching period.
* Participant has a neuro-stimulator, as it may disrupt the quality of ECG data.
* Participants who are pregnant. In accordance with Mayo Clinic's standard cardiac surgery protocol, all women of childbearing potential undergo routine preoperative pregnancy testing. Pregnancy status will therefore be confirmed prior to enrollment. Any participant with a positive pregnancy test will be deemed ineligible and will not be enrolled in the study.
* Participants who lack the capacity to provide informed consent will not be approached or enrolled in this study.

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 09/23/2026. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Juan Ripoll Sanz, M.D.

Open for enrollment

Contact information:

Sharon Svoboda

(507) 284-2797

svoboda.sharon@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available