[Hypothermia in cardiac surgery].

Since the beginning of the era of cardiac surgery hypothermia remains a mainstay in perioperative management. This role is increasingly being questioned because of many disadvantages and the lack of evidence of advantages. Using modern techniques of perfusion and myocardial protection as well as improved surgical techniques the results with normothermia seem to be comparable. The importance of hypothermia in present day cardiac surgery is discussed with respect to myocardial and cerebral protection.