title: Emergency thoracotomy--the indications, contraindications and evidence.
abstract: Emergency thoracotomy is a dramatic and controversial intervention which may be life saving after major torso trauma. Success rates are variable and differ widely according to mechanism of injury. This article outlines the current indications and contraindications to emergency thoracotomy and examines the evidence to support it accumulated over 40 years.
authors.affiliation: Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield. dr.beth.sian.morgan@googlemail.com
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Garner
mesh_terms: D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D006801:Humans; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*