Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
resuscitative thoracotomy
Emergency surgical opening of the chest cavity performed in extremis to restore cardiac output.
Full Definition
Resuscitative thoracotomy is an emergency procedure performed in the emergency department or operating room on patients in cardiac arrest or near-arrest following trauma. The procedure involves rapid opening of the chest to allow direct cardiac massage, control of intrathoracic hemorrhage, cross-clamping of the aorta, and relief of cardiac tamponade. It is considered a procedure of last resort with strict indications and is associated with low survival rates except in specific circumstances such as penetrating cardiac injury.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify 'resuscitative' to distinguish from elective thoracotomy.
In Context
- "Resuscitative thoracotomy was performed for suspected cardiac tamponade." — Emergency procedure documentation
- "The trauma team decided against resuscitative thoracotomy given the prolonged downtime." — Trauma team assessment
Also known as
emergency thoracotomy
ED thoracotomy
Don't confuse with
emergency sternotomy