Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie
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To review the reported efficacy of various imaging techniques in assessing stability of the neck in blunt trauma patients, and to present the protocol and preliminary results of a modified traction test protocol. ⋯ Cervical stability can be reliably confirmed with this test without any requirement for advanced imaging technology.
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To review morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing elective, open repair of infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms and were admitted postoperatively to a surgical stepdown unit rather than routinely to the intensive care unit (ICU), we carried out a retrospective review. ⋯ Our experience demonstrates that proper preoperative assessment and selection allows the majority of elective infra-renal aneurysm repairs to be safely cared for postoperatively in a stepdown unit, and that subsequent ICU admissions are rare.
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Rapid infusion system allows rapid infusion of resuscitation fluids at body temperature in trauma patients. Packed red blood cells are subjected to high external pneumatic pressure (up to 300 mm Hg) and rapid infusion rates through a 170-microm filter. This study was conducted to outline hemolysis that may occur in the setting of massive transfusion (> 10 units). ⋯ Transfusion of 17 units with the Level 1 Rapid Infuser did not cause a clinically significant amount of hemolysis.