Analysis of 2024 EACTS/EACTAIC/EBCP Guidelines on Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Adult Cardiac Surgery

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cardiac surgery involves the integration of multidisciplinary expertise, requiring collaboration among clinical perfusionists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, and patients. This updated guideline, developed by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, the European Association for Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Intensive Care, and the European Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, incorporates the latest evidence to offer evidence-based recommendations for CPB. It expands on previous guidelines by addressing a broader range of CPB-related factors that impact patient outcomes. Although significant advances have been made in CPB technology and techniques, significant knowledge gaps remain. Bridging these gaps requires coordinated effort from all stakeholders in cardiac surgery, ensuring that future revisions of the guidelines are more comprehensive, practical, and applicable across various clinical settings. Ongoing improvements in CPB outcomes are contingent upon continued collaboration among cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, and perfusionists, supported by specialized training programs in accredited institutions. These efforts aim to enhance patient safety, optimize CPB procedures, and improve overall cardiac surgery outcomes. This manuscript provides an overview of the key changes introduced in the new guidelines.