Data analysis
Between-group comparisons for clinical and outcome variables were
performed using independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test,
chi-square analysis, or Fisher’s exact test. Data are reported as mean ±
standard deviation, median (first and third quartile), or frequency
(%). All tests are two-sided. Given the exploratory nature of the
study, no adjustment for multiple comparisons was performed. Data were
compared using the aortic clamping technique (DAC versus SAC as the
dichotomizing variable. Analyses were performed using StataV.12
(StataCorp, Texas, US).