Thoracotomy: The current research and outcomes with Zane Perkins

In this session we will examine the latest research to emerge
from Zane Perkins and Mike Christian around Resuscitative
Thoracotomy (RT). The research has been led by Zane and Mike
examined over 600 retrospective thoracotomy cases from the LAA
database spanning 20 years, looking at the survivors, the
pathology (exsanguination versus tamponade), the pre-arrest
rhythms, the morbidity and mortality, the time of intervention
versus outcome as well as other markers. I wanted to explore the
results of this research and the potential implications on
practice.


Zane Perkins is a consultant Trauma and General Surgeon at the
Royal London Hospital, a consultant Physician for London's Air
Ambulance, and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Centre for
Trauma Sciences, Queen Mary’s University London.


Current thinking on Thoracotomy practice

Examine the research in more detail from primary &
secondary outcomes

Survival rates - Who are the current survivors?

What are the main domains of pathology

Exsanguination: Results of outcome and pre-arrest rhythms

What it shows around intervention and decisions around
exsanguination

Tamponade: results of outcome and pre-arrest rhythms 

What it shows around intervention and decisions around
tamponade

Differentiated decision making and prospective changes to SOP

Final thoughts and take-home messages.



The study has yet to be published but we will publish the results
as they are published. My thanks to Zane for an engaging and
insightful interview.