Surgery
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Resuscitative thoracotomy performed in the emergency department (EDT) continues to have clear indications in patients sustaining trauma to the torso, particularly penetrating injuries. However, adjunctive use of aortic cross-clamping during EDT for hemorrhagic shock also may be useful in the acute resuscitation of patient with nontorso injuries (NTI). We questioned the utility of EDT in patients with nontorso trauma. ⋯ Resuscitative EDT with aortic cross-clamping is a potential adjunct in the acute resuscitation of NTI involving penetrating neck or extremity vascular injuries.