Delaware medical journal
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Delaware medical journal · May 2009
Are there still selected applications for resuscitative thoracotomy in the emergency department after blunt trauma?
Resuscitative thoracotomy has an integral role for open cardiac massage and can be preformed after penetrating trauma with cardiovascular collapse. Its role in blunt trauma is questionable. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent an emergency department (ED) resuscitative thoracotomy. ⋯ There were two survivors after blunt trauma (12.5%) and one after penetrating trauma (3.8%). Signs of life in the field and a cardiac repair were independent predictors of survival after blunt trauma (p=0.001 and p=0.004 respectively). We conclude that in select trauma patients after blunt injury with cardiovascular collapse, resuscitative thoracotomy still has a vital role.