Needle thoracostomy: Clinical effectiveness is improved using a longer angiocatheter.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Decompression of tension physiology may be lifesaving, but significant doubts remain regarding ideal needle thoracostomy (NT) catheter length in the treatment of tension physiology. We aimed to demonstrate increased clinical effectiveness of longer NT angiocatheter (8 cm) compared with current Advanced Trauma Life Support recommendations of 5-cm NT length.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of all adult trauma patients from 2003 to 2013 (age > 15 years) transported to a Level I trauma center. Patients underwent NT at the second intercostal space midclavicular line, either at the scene of injury, during transport (prehospital), or during initial hospital trauma resuscitation. Before March 2011, both prehospital and hospital trauma team NT equipment routinely ha

SUBMITTER: Aho JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4731268 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature