Use of the pi-circuit technique is very effective for octogenarians. Although these older patients have a higher incidence of early postoperative morbidity, overall survival is not affected.

The use of the pi-circuit, aorta no-touch technique is equally effective and safe for both sexes. Women are more prone to pulmonary complications in the early postoperative phase. The apparent difference in survival favoring men can be attributed to the higher prevalence of preoperative risk factors in women. In general, we consider the off-pump, aorta no-touch technique an effective method for lowering morbidity and mortality in the relatively high-risk female patient group.