A Live Human Model Comparison Evaluating ThoraSite^® Accuracy for Needle Thoracostomy

Area of Science:

• Emergency medicine
• Medical device technology
• Surgical procedures

Background:

• Needle thoracostomy (NT) is a critical, time-sensitive procedure for treating tension pneumothorax.
• EMS clinicians infrequently perform NT, with variable success rates impacting patient outcomes.
• Accurate site selection is paramount for NT effectiveness and minimizing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of paramedic NT site selection using the ThoraSite® device versus traditional anatomic landmarks (ALs).
• To assess paramedic confidence and perceived ease of use with the ThoraSite® device.
• To compare the time required for NT site selection between the two methods.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, two-arm crossover study involving 112 paramedics using live human models.
• Paramedics performed NT site selection using ThoraSite® and ALs, with accuracy confirmed via ultraviolet light.
• Placement accuracy, time-to-NT selection, and paramedic confidence/ease were statistically analyzed.

Main Results:

• ThoraSite® use resulted in significantly higher accuracy (198/223) compared to ALs (185/223), with an odds ratio of 1.91 (p=0.04).
• Mean time for NT site selection was reduced with ThoraSite® (14.3s) versus ALs (18.7s) (p<0.01).
• Paramedics reported significantly higher ease of use with ThoraSite® (median=5) compared to ALs (median=4) (p<0.01).

Conclusions:

• The ThoraSite® device is associated with improved accuracy in NT site selection by paramedics.
• Use of ThoraSite® significantly reduces the time required for NT site selection.
• Paramedics report greater ease of use with ThoraSite®, potentially improving its adoption and effectiveness in prehospital settings.