emergency department thoracotomy
Immediate chest surgery performed in the emergency department for patients with life-threatening thoracic trauma.
Full Definition
Emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) is a procedure performed in the emergency department on patients who have lost vital signs or are in extremis from thoracic trauma. This procedure involves opening the chest in the trauma bay to allow direct access to the heart and major vessels for cardiac massage, aortic cross-clamping, or repair of cardiac injuries. EDT is considered a procedure of last resort with strict indications and generally poor outcomes except in specific circumstances such as penetrating cardiac injury with recent loss of vital signs.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as EDT. Specify location (emergency department) to distinguish from operating room thoracotomy.
In Context
- "An emergency department thoracotomy was performed after the patient lost pulse in the trauma bay." — Emergency medicine documentation
- "Despite emergency department thoracotomy, the patient could not be resuscitated." — Trauma case report