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External counterpressure and the MAST suit: current and future roles
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|August 1, 1980
Summary
The Medical Anti-Shock Trouser (MAST) suit offers life-saving external counterpressure for various shock states, including trauma and cardiac emergencies. Its rapid, reversible hemodynamic effects and minimal adverse effects make it valuable in diverse medical settings.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Critical Care
Background:
- External counterpressure devices like the MAST suit are crucial in managing shock.
- Acute hypovolemia from trauma is a primary indication for MAST suit use.
- Broader applications beyond trauma are being explored for shock management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the lifesaving potential of the MAST suit in diverse shock states.
- To expand awareness of the MAST suit's utility beyond traditional trauma applications.
- To emphasize the importance of disseminating information on MAST suit usage.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on external counterpressure devices.
- Clinical case analysis of MAST suit application in various shock conditions.
- Discussion of hemodynamic effects and adverse events associated with MAST suit use.
Main Results:
- MAST suit is effective in acute hypovolemia from abdominal, pelvic, and lower extremity trauma.
- Expanded uses include pericardial tamponade, tension pneumothorax, and aortic aneurysm.
- MAST suit demonstrates rapid, reversible hemodynamic improvements with limited adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- The MAST suit is a vital tool in prehospital, emergency department, and hospital settings.
- Emergency physicians should be aware of and promote the expanded uses of the MAST suit.
- MAST suit application extends to critical care scenarios, including adjunct to CPR.