Objective: There are several reasons for prolonged mechanical ventilation after open-heart surgery. Covid-19 has been linked to several lung-related complications. It is, therefore, important to discuss Covid-19\'s role in prolonged mechanical ventilation in accordance with the literature. This study aimed to compare the mechanical ventilation lengths of stay after cardiac surgery in patients with and without a history of Covid-19 and evaluate its effect on postoperative outcomes.

Material and Method: The study was designed as a prospective observational study. A total of 70 patients, 35 with a Covid-19 history, and 35 without, were included in the study. Researchers observed the patients in the postoperative intensive care unit and filled out patient information forms.

Results: Although the length of ventilation was longer in patients with a history of Covid-19, there was no significant difference between the groups (p >0.05). The median values of the length of spontaneous ventilation mode in patients with a history of Covid-19 were significantly higher (p <0.05). The ventilation length of those with a Covid-19 history and previous cardiac surgery history was significantly longer (p <0.05).

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Covid-19 may affect mechanical ventilator weaning time and postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery.