Graphical abstract. This figure summarizes the preliminary assessment of HAR’s potential benefits, to enhance postoperative recovery after cardiopulmonary bypass, considering a sample composed of high-risk patients and a propensity score matching methodology for the estimation of the effects. Abbreviations: MiECC – minimized extracorporeal circuit; VAVD – vacuum-assisted venous drainage; <10 h – lower than ten hours; <2 d – lower than two days.