Lung Problems After Mitral Valve Replacement

Lung problems after mitral valve replacement may include pneumonia, bleeding, and lung failure. Patients with existing lung disease are at increased risk of developing lung problems after mitral valve replacement. When lung problems after mitral valve replacement include lung failure, most cases are temporary; however, lung failure may require extended use of the breathing tube and breathing machine.

 

Lung Problems After Mitral Valve Replacement: An Overview

Lung problems after mitral valve replacement are a possible complication of this procedure. Some of the lung complications that may occur following mitral valve replacement include the following:
 
  • Pneumonia
  • Fluid buildup
  • Air outside the lung
  • Bleeding
  • Lung failure.
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Patients with existing lung disease are at increased risk of developing lung problems, including lung failure, following this procedure.
 

Treatment for Lung Problems After Mitral Valve Replacement

In most cases of lung failure, it is a temporary condition that responds well to changes on the breathing machine.
 However, lung failure may require extended use of the breathing tube and machine. In some cases, a tracheostomy, which is a tube placed into your windpipe through your neck, may need to be placed for prolonged breathing assistance. Usually, the tube will not be placed unless a patient has been on the breathing machine for several weeks.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD