There has been a recent renewed interest in certain aspects of cardiopulmonary bypass employing extracorporeal circulation. Several areas have received special attention. Among these is the institution of extracorporeal circulation using a percutaneous technique for circulatory assistance during high-risk percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. A national registry has been established to review and monitor results using this percutaneous technique. Several recent developments in the delivery of cardioplegia during ischemic arrest have stimulated investigative efforts. In particular, the delivery of cardioplegia in a retrograde manner through the coronary sinus has proved an effective and useful adjunct to myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass with extracorporeal circulation. A newer investigative technique employing only warm cardioplegia delivered primarily through the retrograde coronary sinus route seems to offer some promise in providing optimal myocardial protection while minimizing hemorrhagic complications and other cold-induced myocardial injury. Because of concerns regarding blood transfusion-related communicable disease (eg, acquired immune deficiency syndrome and non-A, non-B hepatitis), there has been increasing research effort into postoperative hemorrhage related to cardiopulmonary bypass with extracorporeal circulation. Specifically, various drugs that may serve as hemostatic adjuncts have been investigated extensively. These drugs include aprotinin and desmopressin acetate. Likewise, several studies have evaluated other drugs (mainly aspirin) that have a negative influence on postoperative hemostasis. Additionally, there has been continued research interest in the activation of the inflammatory system during cardiopulmonary bypass.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)