Cardiothoracic Surgery: What are acute indications for thoracotomy?

Question

What are acute indications for thoracotomy?

H K · Accepted Answer

• Acute deterioration and hemodynamic instability (blood pressure < 80 mm Hg).
• Initial chest tube output of 1,500 mL of blood.
• Continued bleeding of >200 mL/h.
• Traumatic thoracotomy.
• Massive air leak.
• Documented tracheal or bronchial injury.
• Suspected air embolism

Cardiothoracic Surgery

What are acute indications for thoracotomy?

• Acute deterioration and hemodynamic instability (blood pressure < 80 mm Hg). • Initial chest tube output of 1,500 mL of blood. • Continued bleeding of >200 mL/h. • Traumatic thoracotomy. • Massive air leak. • Documented tracheal or bronchial injury. • Suspected air embolism

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