Cardiopulmonary complications are inherent consequences of open heart surgery, related to surgical trauma, cardiopulmonary bypass, and ischemia-reperfusion injuries induced by aortic cross-clamping. Over the last 15 years, the anesthesia team at Geneva University Hospitals has investigated the role of several cardiopulmonary protection interventions in cardiac surgery, namely acute normovolemic hemodilution, the administration of glucose-insulin-kalium and neuraxial blockade. This Privat-Docent thesis provides an overview of current and emerging concepts and potential clinical applications available to reduce cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing open heart surgery.