Use of Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Circulation in Cardiac Surgery: Principles, Definitions and Potential Benefits – A position paper from the Minimal invasive Extra-Corporeal Technologies international Society (MiECTiS)

Μinimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) systems have initiated important efforts within science and technology to further improve the biocompatibility of cardiopulmonary bypass components aiming to minimize the adverse effects and improve end-organ protection. The Minimal invasive Extra-Corporeal Technologies international Society (MiECTiS) was founded to create an international forum for the exchange of ideas on clinical application and research of Minimal invasive Extra-Corporeal Circulation technology. The present work is a consensus document developed to standardize the terminology and the definition of minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation technology as well as to provide recommendations and promote the use of MiECC systems into clinical practice as a multidisciplinary strategy involving cardiac surgeons, anaesthesiologists and perfusionists.