Arch Surg Chicago
-
Real-time ultrasound guidance should increase the success rate and lower the complication rate of central venous access in patients with relative contraindications to having the procedure performed. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided central venous access is a helpful technique to gain venous access in difficult cases. Surgeons who perform central venous access procedures should become acquainted with the techniques involved. The techniques should be incorporated into currently developing ultrasound instruction courses for surgeons.
-
Trauma patients who are pulseless at the scene of injury and whose electrical cardiac activity is less than 40 beats/min cannot be revived. ⋯ Trauma victims who are pulseless and have asystole or agonal electrical cardiac activity (heart rate <40 beats/min) should be pronounced dead at the scene of injury.