Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Meta-analysis of 56 RCTs (6,724 patients) showing that miniaturized bypass circuits significantly reduce blood loss, transfusion requirements, and inflammatory response compared to conventional cardiopulmonary bypass. Supports the use of mini-bypass for bloodless cardiac surgery.
Minimal extracorporeal circulation was associated with a significant reduction in transfusion of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and total drainage volume compared with conventional bypass.