Complications of Single-Lung Ventilation

Single-lung ventilation, used during certain surgeries, can lead to complications such as low oxygen levels because only one lung is actively providing oxygen to the blood. It may cause lung injury, including damage to lung tissues or swelling. There’s also a risk of the non-ventilated lung accidentally collapsing (pneumothorax) or infection. Additionally, patients with pre-existing lung problems or heart issues are at higher risk of experiencing difficulty breathing or unstable blood pressure during the procedure. Proper monitoring and skilled management are essential to minimize these risks.