Purpose of the Review <p>This review of literature summarizes recent findings on ventilation in cardiac surgery.</p> Recent Findings <p>Ventilation is a challenging topic for every anesthesiologist. In cardiac surgery, ventilation is influenced by factors related not only to patient conditions but also to surgery and surgeons.</p> <p>The three areas in cardiac surgery ventilation studied in the last years were: ventilation during surgery, during cardiopulmonary bypass, and after surgery. First, lung-protective ventilation during surgery is associated with reduced incidence of postoperative complications. Second, continuous positive airway pressure or ventilation compared to apnea during cardiopulmonary bypass might improve clinical outcomes. Third, alveolar recruitment after surgery and early extubation are associated with a reduced incidence of complications rate.</p> Summary <p>Perioperative lung protective ventilatory strategies might influence outcome in patients undergoing cardiac surgery while maintaining the feasibility of surgery.</p>