Training non-surgeons to perform resuscitative thoracotomy

T Konig,Z Perkins,Ge Davies

doi:10.1186/1757-7241-21-s1-a2

Abstract

Training non-surgeons to perform resuscitative thoracotomy

Highlights

Professor Moritz Schiff, a distinguished 19th century physiologist, provided the first description of thoracotomy, open cardiac massage and aortic compression for the resuscitation of cardiac arrest in 1874 [1]
resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) is an immediate intervention for the injured patient in extremis or cardiac arrest with the cardinal objective of restoring adequate vital organ perfusion and controlling exsanguinating haemorrhage
Resuscitative thoracotomy provides an opportunity for meaningful survival and observation of outcomes over the past 50 years has provided a clearer understanding of the patients that derive benefit and those in which intervention is futile

Summary

Introduction

Professor Moritz Schiff, a distinguished 19th century physiologist, provided the first description of thoracotomy, open cardiac massage and aortic compression for the resuscitation of cardiac arrest in 1874 [1]. To this end the procedure may need to begin during the pre-hospital phase or on Emergency Department arrival and be performed by non-cardiothoracic surgeons using basic equipment.

Results

Conclusion