Abstract: AIM The present study describes the incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of ventilator associated events (VAE) after cardiac surgery. METHODS Postoperative patients were monitored for VAEs. By reviewing electronic medical records and preserved files retrospectively, clinical data were further analyzed. RESULTS A total of 601 adult patients were enrolled, of which 45 episodes met the criteria for VAE. The mean incidence rate reached up to 7.5%. By using both univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression, chronic bronchitis, LVEF<30%, NYHA grade IV, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic clamping time, mechanical ventilation time, reintubation, and acute kidney injury were found to independent risk factors for VAEs. Compared with non-VAE group, VAEs were closely related to higher mortality, longer intensive care unit stay time, and hospitalization time. CONCLUSION VAE algorithm is a valid and reliable surveillance for possible infections caused by mechanical ventilation, which could easily occur in patients after cardiac surgery and is associated with poor prognosis. The risk factors identified in this investigation provide potential preventive strategies.