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Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Published on: October 24, 2020
Pericardiocentesis in trauma: a systematic review.
Tim H Lee1, Jean-Francois Ouellet, Mackenzie Cook
1From the Section of Trauma/Critical Care (T.H.L., M.C., M.A.S.), Oregon Health & Science University; Departments of Surgery and Critical Care (J.B.K.), University of Calgary; Department of Surgery (J.-F.O.), Université Laval.
The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
|September 26, 2013
Summary
Pericardiocentesis (PCC) use in trauma has significantly declined, but survival rates remain high when performed. PCC may still be valuable in non-trauma centers for temporary decompression.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Cardiology
Background:
- Pericardiocentesis (PCC) was a mandatory skill for traumatic pericardial tamponade in ATLS® since 1978.
- Immediate thoracotomy has reduced PCC use, making it an optional skill in current ATLS® guidelines.
- A literature review is needed to define PCC's current role in modern trauma care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the use and effectiveness of PCC in traumatic pericardial tamponade.
- To assess the current role of PCC in trauma care.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific publications from 1970 to 2010.
- Inclusion of human studies on acute traumatic pericardial tamponade.
- Exclusion of non-traumatic or chronic tamponade cases.
Main Results:
- 27 publications involving 2,094 patients were included.
- PCC use decreased from 45.9% (1970s) to 6.4% (2000s).
- Overall survival after PCC was 83.4%, and 91.8% when used as sole intervention.
Conclusions:
- Studies are limited and biased towards survivors, but reported PCC survival rates are high.
- PCC has a limited role in non-trauma centers for temporary decompression.
- PCC may be beneficial when definitive surgical management is not immediately available.
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