2.2. Cardiopulmonary bypass management
Standard CPB was performed with mild hypothermia (32°C). After median sternotomy and heparinization (300 IU/kg), CPB was performed with aorto-venous two-stage cannulation. A cross-clamp was placed on the ascending aorta and cardiac arrest was provided with antegrade cardioplegia (10 mL/kg) with high potassium. Continuity of the cardiac arrest was provided with blood cardioplegia given every 20-30 minutes. CPB was established with a roller pump with a membrane oxygenator (Maquet, Getinge Group, Restalt, Germany) and arterial line filter at pump flow rates of 2.2-2.4 L/ min/m2.