Symptomatic diaphragmatic dysfunction was found in 7.6% of patients after cardiac surgery. It led to an increase of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia, prolonged ventilation, and intensive care.

Coronary bypass grafting with internal mammary artery harvesting was the principal factor associated with diaphragmatic dysfunction, along with obesity and systemic hypertension, in multivariate analysis.

Given the better knowledge about risk factors and suspected mechanisms, it could be recommended to perform early ultrasound examination after tracheal extubation, looking for diaphragmatic dysfunction, followed by appropriate support with respiratory kinesiotherapy and noninvasive ventilation.

This probably could minimize its consequences.

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