resuscitative thoracotomy
Emergency surgical opening of the chest performed in extremis to address cardiac arrest from thoracic trauma.
Full Definition
An emergency procedure involving immediate surgical opening of the chest cavity performed in patients with traumatic cardiac arrest or severe shock from thoracic trauma. The procedure allows direct cardiac massage, control of cardiac bleeding, aortic cross-clamping to redirect blood flow to vital organs, and relief of cardiac tamponade. Success rates are highest in penetrating cardiac trauma performed within 5-10 minutes of arrest. The procedure is typically performed in the emergency department with a left anterolateral thoracotomy incision and carries significant morbidity when unsuccessful.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from elective thoracotomy by emergency nature and indication.
In Context
- "Resuscitative thoracotomy was performed for penetrating chest trauma with cardiac arrest." — Emergency procedure documentation
- "The patient survived resuscitative thoracotomy with successful repair of the cardiac laceration." — Trauma surgery report