Platelet Function in Minimal Extracorporeal Circulation in CABG

"Minimal-ECC versus conventional ECC circuits minimise foreign surface-blood interaction and are heparinized from tip to tip. The tubing length has been shortened to decrease crystalloid prime. Cardiotomy suction is minimised, which leads to less fibrinolysis. An active air-removal device is added to the closed circuit.~The use of minimal ECC has already shown a significant reduction of the systemic inflammatory reaction and less peroperative transfusion of blood products."