ABSTRACT
Anaesthetists play an important role in the evaluation and treatment of patients with signs of thoracic trauma. Anaesthesia involvement can provide valuable input using both advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Commonly performed interventions may be complicated in this setting including airway management, damage control resuscitation, and acute pain management. Anaesthetists must consider additional factors including airway injuries, vascular injuries, and coagulopathy when treating this population. This evidence-based review discusses traumatic thoracic injuries with a focus on new interventions and modern anaesthesia techniques. This review further serves to support the early involvement of anaesthetists in the emergency department and other areas where they can provide value to the trauma care pathway.
Subject(s)
Anesthesia , Anesthesiology , Thoracic Injuries , Humans , Thoracic Injuries/diagnosis , Thoracic Injuries/therapy , Airway Management/methods , AnesthetistsABSTRACT
Anesthesia for patients with life-threatening injuries is an essential part of post-accident care. Unfortunately, there is variability in trauma anesthesia care and numerous nonstandardized methods of working with patients remain. Uncertainty exists as to when and how best to intubate trauma patients, the use of vasopressors, and the appropriate management of severe traumatic brain injury. Some physicians recommend prehospital rapid sequence intubation, whereas others use bag-mask ventilation at lower pressures with no cricoid pressure and early transport to a trauma center. Overall, the absence of uniformity in trauma anesthesia care underlines the need for continued study and dialogue to define best practices and optimize patient outcomes.
