Vacuum mixing systems and methods mix of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement, the systems and methods comprise at least one cartridge having an evacuable internal space, a pump with a plunger that can be moved by hand to generate a low pressure, and a connecting conduit connecting the internal space of the at least one cartridge to the pump. The pump comprises an operating element that can be operated from outside and is connected appropriately to the plunger such that it is suitable for moving the plunger in the pump by hand such that a low pressure can be generated such that the low pressure of the pump can be used to evacuate gas from the internal space of the at least one cartridge through the connecting conduit.