Mini-cardiopulmonary bypass impact on blood conservation strategy in coronary artery bypass grafting.

In a prospective randomized study, the authors show the benefits of a minimized cardiopulmonary circuit in patients undergoing routine CABG surgery. Apart from fewer transfusions, inotropic support was lower and there were fewer inflammatory markers; duration of ventilation and length of ICU and hospital stay were also shorter.

These results underline the benefits of less hemodilution during cardiopulmonary bypass on postoperative outcomes in CABG patients. Minimized circuits should be implemented in daily practice.

– Hans Gombotz