Blunt Mechanism Research Articles

The Role of Renal Artery Embolisation in the Management of Blunt Renal Injuries: A Review

Renal injuries are the most common urinary tract injury secondary to external abdominal trauma. They are caused by blunt, penetrating and iatrogenic mechanisms. Despite the high number of blunt renal injuries, little evidence is available to guide management, especially with the evolution of embolisation as a minimally invasive treatment. Consequently, clinical practice is driven by results of observational studies and anecdote. We have reviewed the current trends in practice when using renal artery embolisation in the management of blunt renal injuries. Three key principles are highlighted. First, high-grade blunt renal injuries can be successfully managed with embolisation. Second, embolisation should be considered when there is radiological evidence of active contrast extravasation, pseudoaneurysm or arteriovenous fistula. Third, embolisation can be used to manage blunt renal injuries in haemodynamically unstable patients. Beyond this, evidence regarding optimal technique, CT indications, clinical status, comorbidities and complications are inconclusive. We discuss the implications for clinical practice and how these findings should define the agenda for future clinical research.

In-hospital, 30- and 90-day mortality in elderly trauma patients with operative feeding tubes

BackgroundNutrition is essential in the treatment of elderly trauma patients (ETP). ETP experience dysphagia at rates six times higher than the non-trauma elderly population (NTEP) and are at increased risk for malnutrition. Operative feeding tube (OFT) placement is often used to aid with the nutritional management of ETP. Elderly patients experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality when compared to the general population, especially in the traumatic setting, with some data suggesting in-hospital mortality as high as 10%. However, the mortality rates and associated comorbidities associated with OFT in ETP are unknown. The purposes of this study were to establish the mortality rate in hospital as well as 30- and 90-days following discharge among elderly trauma patients (ETP) receiving OFT, and to assess factors associated with mortality within this population. MethodsA retrospective review of all trauma patients from a single Level I Trauma Center from 01/2010-09/2020 was conducted. Exclusion criteria were patients under 65 years of age or those with previously placed OFT. Demographics, comorbidities, injury mechanisms, injury severity scores (ISS), and OFT data were collected from the institutional trauma registry. Mortality data were obtained using the Social Security Death Index. Mortality at discharge, 30 days, and 90 days following discharge were the primary outcomes. Bivariate analysis was conducted to compare characteristics and comorbidities of patients alive and dead at the time points of interest. ResultsThere were 151 ETP who received OFT. Patients were largely male (67.5%), severely injured via a blunt mechanism (95%), and had a median age of 76 years. 11 (7.3%) experienced in-hospital mortality following feeding tube placement, 21 (13.9%) died within 30 days, and 31 (20.5%) within 90 days. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that ETP who died were more likely to have a history of dementia (p = 0.004), congestive heart failure (p = 0.014), and end-stage liver disease (p = 0.034). No other patient or injury factors were associated with mortality after OFT placement. ConclusionMortality rates for ETP with OFT were higher than anticipated, yet favorable compared to recently reported data. Patients who died were more likely to have dementia, CHF, or ESLD than those who survived. The few comorbidities associated with mortality suggest that nearly all ETP who undergo OFT placement are at risk for mortality. Additionally, the data highlights the importance of early goals of care discussions for ETP and their loved ones when operative feeding tubes are being considered. Level of evidenceLevel III. Study typePrognostic/Therapeutic/Diagnostic Test/Economic/Decision;

Admission maximum amplitude-reaction time ratio: Association between thromboelastography values predicts poor outcome in injured children.

Thromboelastography (TEG)-derived maximum amplitude-reaction time (MA-R) ratio that accounts for both hypocoagulable and hypercoagulable changes in coagulation is associated with poor outcomes in adults. The relationship between these TEG values and outcomes has not been studied in children. In a retrospective cohort study, a level I pediatric trauma center database was queried for children younger than 18 years who had a TEG assay on admission between 2016 and 2020. Demographics, injury characteristics, and admission TEG values were recorded. The MA-R ratio was calculated and divided into quartiles. Main outcomes included mortality, transfusion within 24 hours of admission, and thromboembolism. A logistic regression model was generated adjusting for age, Injury Severity Score, injury mechanism, admission shock, and Glasgow Coma Scale. In total, 657 children were included, of which 70% were male and 75% had blunt mechanism injury. The median (interquartile range) age was 11 (4-14) years, the median (interquartile range) Injury Severity Score was10 (5-22), and in-hospital mortality was 7% (n = 45). Of these patients, 17% (n = 112) required transfusion. Most R and MA values were within normal limits. On unadjusted analysis, the lowest MA-R ratio quartile was associated with increased mortality (15% vs. 4%, 5%, and 4%, respectively; p < 0.001) and increased transfusion need (26% vs. 12%, 16%, and 13%, respectively; p = 0.002) compared with higher quartiles. In the logistic regression models, a low MA-R ratio was independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 4.4 [1.9-10.2]) and increased need for transfusion within 24 hours of admission (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.0 [1.2-3.4]) compared with higher MA-R ratio. There was no association between MA-R ratio and venous thromboembolic events (venous thromboembolic event rate by quartile: 4%, 2%, 1%, and 3%). Although individual admission TEG values are not commonly substantially deranged in injured children, the MA-R ratio is an independent predictor of poor outcome. Maximum amplitude-reaction time ratio may be a useful prognostic tool in pediatric trauma; validation is necessary. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

The Impact of Protective Devices Across the Spectrum of Trauma Care and Across Racial Groupings.

Protective devices such as seat belts and helmets save lives. Most studies only address one aspect of the injury profile - compliance or mortality - not the entire spectrum of trauma care, and little attention is paid to racial differences in the use or impact of protective devices. Patients with blunt mechanisms where using protective devices would be expected were included and were divided into utilizing (P) vs not utilizing protection (Non-P). Chart review included demographics, injuries sustained, hemodynamics, and blood alcohol level. Outcomes included need for emergent operation, complications and death. Non-P patients were more likely male, presented at night and intoxicated. Highest risk behavior (intoxicated Non-P) presented at night (25.7% of nighttime presentations), and rarely during daytime (6.7% daytime presentations). Non-P were more likely hypotensive and sustain a traumatic brain injury. No race related differences were noted among young patients. Among older (>/=50years) patients, White patients were least likely Non-P and least likely presented at night. Non-P required more emergent operative intervention, ICU admission, and longer hospital stay. Overall, Non-P was associated with increased risk of death (OR = 1.6 (95% CI = 1.28 - 2.11). Given unique age and racial differences, we advocate for culturally and age specific public service campaigns.

Simultaneous versus rapid serial interventions in a hybrid operating suite for severely injured patients: a prospective evaluation of differences in RAPTOR techniques and outcomes.

Open surgical and percutaneous endovascular procedures aimed at arresting traumatic life-threatening hemorrhage are usually performed in rapid serial fashion by surgeons and interventional radiologists; truly simultaneous procedures require modifications in technique, workflow and team collaboration. The primary objective of this study was to prospectively audit outcomes in patients with ongoing hemorrhage who underwent truly simultaneous open and percutaneous procedures. We prospectively evaluated the cases of all severely injured patients who required an open and percutaneous procedure within the hybrid RAPTOR (resuscitation with angiography, percutaneous techniques and operative repair) suite at the Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, between Apr. 4, 2013, and Dec. 5, 2019. We compared outcomes between the truly simultaneous and rapid serial cases. Thirty-five patients (31 [89%] male, median age 46 yr, median Injury Severity Score 30, blunt mechanism in 26 cases [74%]) underwent a hybrid intervention in the RAPTOR suite to stop ongoing hemorrhage during the study period. Twenty-three patients (66%) had a rapid serial procedure, and 12 (34%) had a truly simultaneous procedure. Demographic characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Compared to the rapid serial group, a higher proportion of patients in the truly simultaneous group were hemodynamically unstable (11 [92%] v. 13 [56%], p = 0.03) and required damage-control procedures (10 [83%] v. 12 [52%], p = 0.03). The time from hospital arrival to procedure initiation was shorter for the truly simultaneous group (mean 31 min v. 59 min, p = 0.02), and a lower proportion had initial radiologic studies (3 [25%] v. 16 [70%], p = 0.01). The median hospital length of stay, intensive care unit stay and mortality rate were similar between the 2 groups. Truly simultaneous open and percutaneous procedures to stop ongoing hemorrhage were unique in both patient and procedural details. For the most severely injured patients, the provision of truly simultaneous modalities is necessary to achieve clinical outcomes equivalent to those of less ill patients.

BLOOD TYPE O IS A RISK FACTOR FOR HYPERFIBRINOLYSIS AND MASSIVE TRANSFUSION AFTER SEVERE INJURY.

Background: Blood type O is the most common blood type and has lower von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels (25%-35% lower than non-O blood types). von Willebrand factor is important for initiating platelet attachment and binding factor VIII. We hypothesized that patients with type O blood are at an increased risk of trauma-induced coagulopathy and bleeding post injury. Study Design: Adult trauma activations with known blood type at a level I trauma center with field systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg were studied retrospectively. The relationships of blood group O versus non-O to coagulation assays, massive transfusion (MT), ventilator-free days, and mortality were adjusted for confounders. Hyperfibrinolysis (HF) was defined as thromboelastogram of percent lysis in 30 min > 3%, and fibrinolysis shutdown was defined as percent lysis in 30 min < 0.9%. von Willebrand factor activity was quantified on 212 injured patients using a STAGO apparatus. Results: Overall, 268 patients met criteria. Type O patients were more likely to develop HF than non-type O blood patients (43% vs. 29%, P = 0.06) and had significantly lower vWF activity (222% vs. 249%, P = 0.01). After adjustment for New Injury Severity Score and blunt mechanism, type O had higher odds of HF (odds ratio, 1.94, 95% confidence interval, 1.09-3.47) and increased odds of MT (odds ratio, 3.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-7.49). Other outcomes were not significantly affected. Conclusion: Type O patients with hypotension had increased HF and MT post injury, and these were associated with lower vWF activity. These findings have implications for the monitoring of HF in patients receiving type O whole-blood transfusions post injury.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Genitourinary Trauma: A Nationwide Outcomes-Based Analysis

IntroductionBladder and ureteral injuries are uncommon in trauma patients but are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Patients presenting with such injuries may undergo either open surgical repair or laparoscopic repair. We aimed to compare outcomes of open surgical approach and laparoscopy in trauma patients with isolated bladder and ureteral injury. We hypothesized that laparoscopy is associated with improved outcomes. MethodsWe performed a 2017 review of American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program and identified trauma patients with bladder and ureteral injury who underwent open surgical repair or laparoscopy. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed adjusting for demographics, emergency department vitals (systolic blood pressure, heart rate, Glasgow Coma Scale), mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, each body region Abbreviated Injury Scale score, and transfusion units. Outcomes were rates of in-hospital major complications and mortality. ResultsOf the 1,004,440 trauma patients, 384 patients (open: 192 and laparoscopy: 192) were matched and included. The mean age was 36 ± 15 y, Injury Severity Score was 27 [27-48], 77% were males, and 56% of patients had a blunt mechanism of injury, and 44% had penetrating injuries. Overall mortality was 7.3%. On univariate analysis, mortality was lower in the open group as compared to the laparoscopy group (10.4% versus 4.2%, P = 0.019) and survivor-only hospital length of stay was longer in the open group (8 [8-9] versus 7 [5-11], P = 0.008). There was no difference in overall major complications (23% versus 21%, P = 0.621). On multivariate analysis, open surgical repair was independently associated with lower odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.405, 95% confidence interval: [0.17-0.95], P-value = 0.038) ConclusionsIn our analysis open surgical repair of bladder and ureteral injuries was associated with lower mortality with other outcomes being similar when compared to laparoscopy. Laparoscopic surgical repair may not have an advantage over the open surgical repair for bladder and ureteral injuries. Further prospective studies are needed to delineate the ideal surgical approach for these injuries.

When in Doubt Give Blood Out: Transfusion of an Emergency Release Quick Pack does not Increase Late Mortality

Introduction: Differentiating patients with hemorrhage from those with other causes of hypotension in the early post-injury period can be challenging. It remains unclear what effect these small volume transfusions have on outcomes. We evaluated patient outcomes after early blood transfusion in the form of an emergency release quick pack (QP: up to 2U RBC + 2U FFP) for presumed hemorrhage. Methods: Retrospective review of trauma patients with initial shock index >0.9 admitted to our Level 1 trauma center from 2019-2021. Patients were categorized by blood products transfused in the first 24h: none or QP only. A Cox regression assuming equal time at risk was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) for the association between blood product category and complication (including death). Models were adjusted for age, race, sex, blunt injury mechanism, thorax or abdominal AIS ≥3. Results: A total of 1176 patients were included. There was no significant difference in mortality after 72h between the QP and no product groups (RR 1.77, 95% CI 0.91-3.45). Compared with the no product group, QP patients were more likely to have a VTE (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.11-3.88) but they had a similar risk of stroke and infectious complication. Conclusion: Compared with no transfusion, a small volume transfusion in the form of a quick pack while evaluating hemodynamic stability is not associated with increased late mortality. Given the high risk of mortality from massive hemorrhage, early empiric blood resuscitation should commence while attempts to determine the etiology of shock are ongoing.

A Re-evaluation of the Current Ankle-Brachial Index Threshold in the Setting of Trauma

INTRODUCTION: An ankle-brachial index (ABI) less than 0.9 is the current threshold for determining need for CT angiogram in a trauma patient without hard signs of vascular injury. Recent work suggests a screening threshold of 0.7 may be used without missing an injury. We hypothesized that a threshold of 0.7 would lead to missed injuries. METHODS: Retrospective review during a 44-month period identified patients 15 years and older with traumatic injury, recorded ABI, and CT angiogram of an extremity. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for radiographic abnormality and major vascular injury requiring intervention at various ABI thresholds. Analyses were performed for all-cause traumatic injury, blunt, and penetrating mechanisms. RESULTS: A total of 319 patients met inclusion criteria. Penetrating injury was the predominant mechanism (63%). Of the patients who had a radiographic abnormality on CTA (33%), 7.6% required procedural intervention. All patients undergoing intervention had a soft sign of vascular injury at time of presentation: penetrating injury adjacent to major vascular structure (n = 7), history of arterial bleeding (n = 3), or nonexpanding hematoma (n = 3). An ABI of 0.7 had a sensitivity of 33.3% for detecting vascular injuries requiring intervention. Sensitivity was poor even for the standard ABI threshold of 0.9 (66.7%; Table). Table. - Sensitivity and Specificity Analyses for Various Ankle-Brachial Index Thresholds Outcome Ankle-Brachial Index ≤ 0.9 Ankle-Brachial Index ≤ 0.8 Ankle-Brachial Index ≤ 0.7 Major vascular injury requiring intervention All-cause Sensitivity = 66.7% Specificity = 49.5% Sensitivity = 44.4% Specificity = 78.2% Sensitivity = 33.3% Specificity = 87.8% Penetrating Sensitivity = 66.7% Specificity = 49.7% Sensitivity = 44.4% Specificity = 80.0% Sensitivity = 33.3% Specificity = 90.3% Radiographic Irregularity All-cause Sensitivity = 56.3% Specificity = 53.7% Sensitivity = 31.1% Specificity = 82.8% Sensitivity = 19.4% Specificity = 91.1% Penetrating Sensitivity = 62.9% Specificity = 54.9% Sensitivity = 32.3% Specificity = 84.4% Sensitivity = 19.4% Specificity = 93.4% Blunt Sensitivity = 46.3% Specificity = 51.9% Sensitivity = 29.3% Specificity = 80.2% Sensitivity = 19.5% Specificity = 87.7% CONCLUSION: ABI alone proved to be a poor screening test for vascular injury in this cohort of patients, which represents the highest rate of penetrating trauma in any study evaluating ABI. These results invite a re-evaluation of ABI’s usefulness in modern trauma assessments because a subset of clinically significant vascular injuries may go undetected by the current threshold.

Effect of Trauma Mechanism of Injury on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Screening

INTRODUCTION: Few data exist guiding surgeons on the management of trauma-induced mental health issues. We hypothesize that the mechanism of injury (MoI) affects posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in trauma patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of adult Level I trauma center patients from March 2018 to June 2021 completing a 3-month follow-up screening for PTSD with PCL-5 and depression with PHQ-9 scoring. Demographics and hospitalization details were culled from electronic medical records. MoI was categorized as blunt: low energy, blunt: high energy, and penetrating type by CDC Field Triage Guidelines. Baseline characteristics were compared. Scores were dichotomized before generating logistic and ordinal regression models. RESULTS: A total of 1,148 trauma patients underwent follow-up screening for PTSD and depression. MoI included 67.6% blunt: high energy, 23.2% blunt: low energy, and 9.2% penetrating trauma. Penetrating patients were more likely to screen PTSD positive (odds ratio [OR] 1.72, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.93) and blunt: low energy patients were less likely (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.84). MoI did not significantly influence depression screening. Patients with previous depression history were more likely to screen positive for PTSD (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.70 to 4.61) and experience higher depression scores (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.47; Figure).Figure.: ISS, injury severity score; PTSD, posttraumatic stress disorder.CONCLUSION: Mechanism of injury influences psychiatric sequelae in trauma patients. Compared wth blunt mechanisms, penetrating trauma patients were more likely to screen positive for PTSD. Blunt: low energy provided a protective effect. Routine PTSD screening, especially after penetrating trauma, may identify patients requiring further investigation and intervention.

A review of open pelvic fractures with concurrent genitourinary injuries.

Open pelvic fractures (OPFs) are uncommon but potentially lethal traumatic injuries. Often caused by high energy blunt trauma, they can cause severe injury to abdominal and pelvic structures. We sought to conduct a review of the literature in order to ascertain the rates of genitourinary injury and vaginal laceration after OPF and the rates of resulting infection and mortality. A review of PubMed was conducted to identify studies reporting the rates of genitourinary injury from OPF. Study characteristics, patient characteristics, and outcomes were collected. The data were pooled, and descriptive statistics were obtained. Eight studies encompassing 343 patients were included. Average age was 35.1years (10-85.9), 28% were female, and the average Injury Severity Score was 26.5 (4-75). 95.5% of patients had a blunt mechanism of injury. Motor vehicle collision (23.9%), motorcycle accident (19.7%), and pedestrian struck (19.3%) were the most common etiologies. Overall mortality and infection rates were 31.2% and 18.7%, respectively. 19.7% of patients suffered an injury to the genitourinary system, and 32.4% of females sustained a vaginal laceration. OPFs have the potential for extremely high morbidity and mortality. While much research has been done to prevent early mortality from hemorrhage, there is comparatively little research into late mortality stemming from infection and sepsis. Intravenous antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, and local antibiotics usage has been encouraged. In patients with a vaginal laceration, it is important to provide antibiotic coverage for vaginal flora.

Violence against women in Israel: injury mechanisms and clinical outcomes following hospitalization.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative contributions of different mechanisms of assault to injury and mortality in women in Israel. We identified females hospitalized between 2011 and 2020 following an assault, secondary to blunt, stabbing, or shooting mechanisms of injury, in the Israeli Program for Registration of Trauma Patients (National Trauma Registry). To avoid bias due to temporary hospitalizations for non-medical reasons, we included patients with injuries graded as Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥ 2. Females accounted for 8.1% (926/11,486) of assault patients in the study population. Compared to males, females were older (40.7 vs. 31.0years; p < 0.001), more commonly injured by the blunt trauma mechanism (72.1 vs. 48.6%; p < 0.001), and more commonly injured at a place of residence (50.9 vs. 8.2%; p < 0.001). There were no differences in the number of body areas injured, severe Injury Severity Score, and median hospitalization. Males were operated more commonly (44.6 vs. 40.0%; p = 0.008). Mortality in females and males was similar (2.8 vs. 2.3%; p = 0.43). Secondary analysis revealed that blunt injuries were responsible for 61.2% of the severe cases (ISS ≥ 16), 61.4% of the operations, 54.9% of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions, and 53.8% of the mortality observed in females. When compared to males injured by blunt trauma, females injured by this mechanism were older (43.0 ± 24.7 vs. 32.8 ± 16.1years; p < 0.001) and had higher mortality (2.1 vs. 0.9%; p = 0.007). Assault by mechanisms other than stabbing and shooting should be recognized as a source of severe morbidity and mortality in females.

Revealing impact failure behavior of tungsten composite using instrumented Charpy impact testing

The impact toughness of W-Ni-Fe alloys with different W content (90, 93 and 95 wt%) were studied by means of instrumented Charpy impact testing, and the relationship between impact toughness and microstructural parameters was discussed, with an emphasis on impact failure behavior. With increasing of W content, the elongation decreases from 31% for 90 W to 21% for 95 W, but the tensile strength slightly increases from 940 to 974 MPa and the yield strength increases from 655 to 688 MPa. The impact load-displacement curves reveal that the impact toughness is predominantly controlled by the crack initiation energy and decreased with increasing of W content, whereas the crack propagation energy is relatively low and remains constant. The decrease in the crack initiation energy attributed to a decrease in matrix volume fraction and an increase in W contiguity. 90 W shows the highest crack initiation energy due to the severe plastic deformation during crack initiation process, which contains multiple deformation characteristics such as dislocation tangles, dislocation forest, stacking faults, nano-scaled twins and subgrains. The formation of those features is discussed, and it is found that they are expected to provide a toughening effect. From the perspective of crack nucleation and growth, it is also found that the high crack initiation energy of 90 W profited from the high energy-consuming processes of W cleavage events, micro-crack arrest, blunting and bridging mechanisms. Although these three alloys display different failure features of crack propagation paths, they present similar crack propagation energies. The current study provides a deep insight into the impact failure behavior of WHAs.

Isolated facial fractures transferred for higher level of care

BackgroundIsolated facial fractures (IFF) have been identified as overtriaged injuries in multiple single-center studies. We sought to describe IFF in a national database. MethodsThe 2019 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients with facial fractures and Abbreviated Injury Score<1 for other body regions. Descriptive statistics were performed. ResultsOf 1,097,190 trauma patients, 36,077 (3.3%) had IFF. Median age was 39 [26–89], 92% had blunt mechanism, median Glasgow Coma Scale 15 [15-15], and vital signs were normal (ED systolic blood pressure 137 [125–153], ED pulse 86 [73–99]). 0.3% required unplanned intubation. 25.7% underwent operation after a median interval 26.4 [14.4–47.9] hours. IFF patients represented 4.4% of interfacility transfers and were more likely to have been transferred (34.4% vs 25%, p < 0.001). Hospital stay was 3 [2–4] days. ConclusionsIFF are rarely surgical emergencies and frequently nonoperative, yet are disproportionately represented among transfers. IFFs may represent an opportunity for outpatient follow-up or telehealth consultation to decrease resource utilization.

Gunshot wound versus blunt liver injuries: different liver-related complications and outcomes.

Severe hepatic injury due to gunshot (GSW) compared to blunt mechanism may have significantly different presentation, management, complications, and outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the differences. Retrospective single-center analysis June 1, 2015-June 30, 2020, included all patients with Grade III-V liver injuries due to GSW or blunt mechanism. Clinical characteristics, severity of injury, liver-related complications (rebleeding, necrosis/abscess, bile leak/biloma, pseudoaneurysm, acute liver failure) and overall outcomes (mortality, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and ventilatory days) were compared. Of 879 patients admitted with hepatic trauma, 347 sustained high-grade injury and were included: 81 (23.3%) due to GSW and 266 (76.7%) due to blunt force. A significantly larger proportion of patients with GSW were managed operatively (82.7 vs. 36.1%, p < 0.001). GSW was associated with significantly more liver-related complications (40.7% vs. 27.4%, p = 0.023), specifically liver necrosis/abscess (18.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.003) and bile leak/biloma (12.3% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.028). On subgroup analysis, in patients with grade III injury, the incidence of liver necrosis/abscess and bile leak/biloma remained significantly higher after GSW (13.9% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.008 and 11.1% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.018, respectively). In sub analysis of 88 patients with leading severe liver injuries, GSW had a significantly longer hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, and ventilator days. GSW mechanism to the liver is associated with a higher incidence of liver-related complications than blunt force injury.

Tube thoracostomy for trauma at Counties Manukau District Health Board, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Tube thoracostomy (TT) in trauma is lifesaving. A previous audit at Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB), New Zealand, showed a 22% complication rate for trauma TT. Subsequently CMDHB introduced a procedural guideline to reduce complications. The Health and Disability Commission published a report concerning oversights in TT removal. This led us to evaluate complications, documentation and procedural monitoring to identify ways to improve patient safety. A 30-month retrospective audit of patients presenting to CMDHB, with injuries which may require TT. Those who had a TT in situ, did not require a TT or whose presentation was not secondary to trauma were excluded. One hundred and forty-three TTs were performed in one hundred and fifteen patients. About 87% had injuries secondary to blunt mechanism. Penetrating injuries were more likely to require TT (P= 0.015). Non-accidental injuries were more likely to need TT (P= 0.025). The complication rate was 25.2%. TT prior to imaging had a 31% complication rate (P< 0.03). About 23% had no TT insertion note. 40% had no TT removal note. About 9% TT insertions had no tertiary information to identify the proceduralist and a complication rate of 46%. About 22% of insertions and 4% of removals documented consent. About 2% of insertions documented anticoagulation status. Interventional radiology had the best documentation of data points assessed (P< 0.0001). Post-procedural monitoring recommendations were documented in 1% insertions and 11% removals. The complication rate has not reduced despite introduction of a guideline. Procedural documentation and monitoring were inadequate, potentially impacting patient safety.

Thoracic Trauma with Suspected Cardiac Injury on Admission: How Often Is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon Required

Introduction: Cardiac involvement in the setting of thoracic trauma is possible with both blunt and penetrating mechanisms. Overall, structural cardiac injury is rare, but when it occurs, it requires immediate diagnosis. We evaluated our process in decision-taking and further surgical procedures if necessary. The aim of this retrospective study is (1) the analysis of cardiac injury patterns and their therapeutic approaches, (2) in how many of these cases a cardiothoracic surgeon is needed in trauma room care and (3) in how many patients cardiothoracic surgery was indicated. Patients and Methods: We analyzed all blunt and penetrating trauma patients with suspected cardiac injury at the time of admission between 7/2016 and 7/2021. Sonography, cardiac enzymes, and electrocardiography were obtained obligatorily. Computed tomography (CT) was carried out in hemodynamically stable patients. Trauma room protocols were analyzed including available Injury Severy Scores (ISS). Data on cardiac injuries, operations, access routes, outcomes and hospitalization were evaluated. Results: In total, 43 patients with cardiac injury at the time of admission could be identified. Contusio cordis was detected in 27 patients (63%), in whom conservative therapy was performed. We indicated surgical intervention in 16 patients (37.2%): nine patients (21%) after blunt chest trauma with cardiac or pericardial injuries, mean ISS 37.3 (9.7). These included tricuspid regurgitation after traumatic rupture of chordae tendineae and rupture of the left atrial appendage. Seven patients (16%) underwent surgery for penetrating chest trauma: six for cardiac knife injury, one patient for iatrogenic drainage dislocation in the left ventricle. Mortality was 22% in surgically treated blunt trauma patients, whereas no mortality was observed in penetrating trauma. Discussion: The most common cardiac injury after blunt thoracic trauma is contusio cordis. In these patients’ surgical treatment is usually not necessary. In contrast, thoracic trauma with structural cardiac injury needs a coordinated and interdisciplinary management in a center with cardiothoracic surgery. In addition to anamnesis and clinical examination, sonography with echocardiography and CT in particular play a decisive role in a rapid diagnosis. In the patients presented in this study, more than every third case required cardiothoracic surgery (16 out of 43 patients, 37.2%). Thus, cardiothoracic expertise should be present for all trauma room patients with suspected cardiac injury.

Assessment of safety and effectiveness of non-neurosurgical management for minimal traumatic brain injury (TBI)

BackgroundPatients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and intracranial hemorrhage often receive neurosurgical consultation. However, only a small proportion of patients require intervention. Our hypothesis is that low-risk minimal TBI patients managed without immediate neurosurgical consultation will have a reasonable safety and effectiveness outcome profile. MethodsA non-neurosurgical management protocol for adult minimal TBI was implemented at a level I trauma center as an interdisciplinary quality-improvement initiative in November 2018. Minimal TBI was defined as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 secondary to blunt mechanism, without anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, and isolated pneumocephalus and/or traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage on head CT imaging. Safety was assessed by in-hospital mortality, neurosurgical interventions, and ED revisits within two weeks of discharge. Effectiveness was assessed by neurosurgical consult rate and length of stay. Outcomes were compared 8-months pre- and post-protocol implementation. ResultsA total of 97 patients were included, of which 49 were pre-protocol and 48 were post-protocol There was no difference in rates of in-hospital mortality [0 (0%) vs 0 (0%)], neurosurgical procedure [1 (2.1%) vs 0 (0%)], operations [0 (0%) vs 0 (0%)], and ED revisits [1 (2.0%) vs 2 (4.2%), p = 0.985] between the periods. There was a significant reduction in neurosurgical consults post-protocol implementation (92% vs 29%, p<0.001). ConclusionA protocol for minimal TBI patients effectively reduced neurosurgical consultation without changes in safety profile. Such an interdisciplinary management protocol for low-risk neurotrauma can effectively utilize the neurosurgery consult services by stratifying neurologically stable TBI patient.

Factors Associated With Successful Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Traumatic Hemothorax in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

IntroductionDue to the rarity of traumatic hemothorax in children, no studies have evaluated factors associated with successful video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) as definitive management. MethodsWe conducted an exploratory cross-sectional analysis of pediatric patients in the Trauma Quality Programs database from 2008 to 2017 with traumatic hemothorax managed with primary VATS. Those with early resuscitative thoracotomy for cardiac arrest were excluded. We stratified patients by blunt or penetrating mechanism and estimated absolute differences (ADs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify factors associated with successful VATS without conversion to thoracotomy or reoperation. ResultsA total of 293 patients were eligible. Among 184 penetrating injuries, 150 (82%) underwent successful VATS, 6 (3%) required reoperation, and 28 (15%) converted to thoracotomy. Diaphragmatic injuries (AD = −28, 95% CI = −46 to −10) and rib fractures (AD = 12, 95% CI = 1 to 23) had the strongest negative and positive associations (respectively) with successful VATS. There were 109 blunt injuries: 86 (79%) underwent successful VATS, 6 (6%) required reoperation, and 17 (16%) converted to thoracotomy. Moderate or severe head injury (AD = −15, 95% CI = −32 to 2), injury severity score >15 (AD = −19, 95% CI = −33 to −5), and the presence of diaphragmatic injury (AD = −38, 95% CI = −71 to −4) had the strongest negative associations with successful VATS. ConclusionsSome children with traumatic hemothorax can be successfully managed with VATS. For penetrating mechanism, diaphragmatic injuries were associated with less success, while rib fractures were associated with more success. For blunt mechanism, diaphragmatic injuries, injury severity score >15, or moderate or severe head injury were associated with less success.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Trauma: The Role of Injuries as Physical Stressors.

Introduction: Physical stressors are common predisposing factors for takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). However, the role of traumatic injuries in TTC has not been well defined. This study describes the characteristics of TTC in the broad spectrum of traumatic injuries using the information available in the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB).Materials and methods: This retrospective study analyzed trauma patients ≥ 18 years old in the NTDB, from 2007 to 2018, with a diagnosis of TTC.Results: A total of 95 TTC diagnoses were found. The median age was 68 years old (interquartile range: 55-80). Patients were predominantly female (67.4%), white (88.4%), and sustained blunt mechanisms of injury (90.5%). Penetrating trauma was most common in males (16%). Most diagnoses were related to extremity trauma (53.7%), followed by head injury (26.3%). The most common severity scores were Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) > 13 or < 8, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) < 15 or > 25. Males more commonly presented with GCS < 8 (68%), ISS > 25 (33%), high intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate (77.4%), and mechanical ventilation (51.6%). The median duration of the mechanical ventilation was eight days for both sexes. The ICU length of stay (LOS) was six days with a hospital LOS of nine days and a trend toward a longer LOS in males. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.7% for both sexes.Conclusions: TTC in traumatic injuries is common at both ends of the severity spectrum and has different sex distribution. TTC patients are predominantly females and have more commonly extremity trauma than head injury. Males are more severely injured and under mechanical ventilation.