This study examines whether an arterial filter with a small prime volume can effectively replace a venous bubble trap (VBT) in a minimal extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) system used during cardiac surgery. The study compared air removal capabilities of an arterial filter and three VBTs: VBT160, VBT8, and VARD. Results showed the AF100 arterial filter demonstrated similar, and in some cases better, performance in removing air and gaseous microemboli (GME) compared to VBTs. However, the placement of the arterial filter in the venous line is considered off-label use.