Emergency thoracotomy. Care of the patient in the ER.
Although the decision to perform an ER thoracotomy is not an easy one, it should be considered in patients with penetrating trauma who arrive in an agonal state or without vital signs. Rapid transportation of these patients to a facility that has personnel who are skilled in performing ER thoracotomies offers their only hope for survival. Properly equipped and staffed ORs must also be available in the facility to render definitive care for these patients.
Barrett
J
J
Cook County Hospital, Chicago.
D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000601:surgery*