Results show that minimally invasive surgical procedures of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch may be performed safely, with an excellent clinical outcomes and superior cosmesis. Short ICU and hospital stay indicate the beneficial effects of reduced surgical trauma for patient recovery.

The adoption of mini-bypass significantly potentially reduces hemodilution, donor blood usage, postoperative bleeding and exposure to GME in routine CABG patients as compared to the use of conventional extracorporeal circulation circuits.

Presented data propose that advanced age is correlated with a higher mortality, but not with prolonged ICU treatment or higher costs after cardiac surgery. Considering the encouraging functional status and QOL of the survivors, the financial burden caused by octogenarians is justified.

We conclude that bileaflet mechanical valve prostheses produce HITS even in their optimum orientation. HITS following bileaflet valve replacement have an unstable nature and might be composed of nitrogen and platelets. Tilting disc valves in their optimum orientation provide almost physiological conditions with HITS measured in the same range as bioprosthesis.

Mini bypass reduces on-pump hemodilution and, therefore, donor blood usage in routine CABG patients as compared to conventional ECC circuits and can reduce postoperative bleeding as compared to a traditional system. The mini bypass system is safe in routine clinical use and can manage easily the same number of anastomoses as a traditional system and should be considered a favorable alternative to conventional ECC in all revascularization cases.