Pulmonary Complications After Coronary Revascularization

Pulmonary complications are common after coronary artery bypass grafting. Identifying those individuals with increased risk of respiratory complications allows for appropriate preoperative intervention. The most commonly seen pulmonary complications include pleural effusion, hemothorax, atelectasis, pulmonary edema, diaphragmatic dysfunction, and pneumonia. Clinical features and appropriate management of these common problems are discussed.