Predictors of prolonged mechanical ventilation after heart transplantation

Several studies have reported that prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates, length of hospital stay, and costs after coronary artery and valvular surgeries. However, no study has focused on the incidence and risk factors of prolonged mechanical ventilation after heart transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and predictors of prolonged mechanical ventilation after heart transplantation.