• E J Voiglio, T J Coats, Y P Baudoin, G D Davies, and A W Wilson.
• Service de chirurgie d'urgence, centre hospitalier Lyon-Sud, université Lyon I, F96495 Pierre-Bénite, France. eric.voiglio@adm.univ-lyon1.fr
• Ann Chir. 2003 Dec 1;128(10):728-33.

AbstractThe technique of resuscitative transverse thoracotomy is for use in case of circulatory arrest in the trauma patient. This technique, performed after orotracheal intubation, is initiated by a 5th intercostal space thoracostomy in each mid-axillary line. If the circulatory arrest is not caused by a tension pneumothorax, bilateral thoracotomies in the 5th intercostal spaces with transverse transsection of the sternum is performed. Middle vertical incision of the pericardium allows the evacuation of a cardiac tamponade. This wide surgical access has proved simple to perform, even by non experienced operators. It allows digital control of a heart wound, cross-clamping of the thoracic descending aorta or of pulmonary hilum, rapid perfusion of warm fluids through the right auricle and the performance of bimanual internal cardiac massage.

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