Prehospital Pericardiocentesis Using a Pneumothorax Needle. (4th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinson, Aaron E.; Jones, Gregg A.; Nystrom, Paul C.; Stirling, Adam; Vanderbosch, Kelsey; Simpson, Nicholas S.
• Is Part Of: Prehospital emergency care. Volume 26:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 406
• Page End: 409
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04
• Subjects: pericardiocentesis -- traumatic cardiac arrest -- physician in field -- prehospital ultrasound -- penetrating trauma; 362.18
• DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2021.1977441
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-3127

Abstract

Abstract: Case: We discuss a patient with a penetrating knife wound to the chest who lost pulses from cardiac tamponade. Prehospital ultrasound was able to quickly identify the tamponade and a pericardiocentesis was performed using a Simplified Pneumothorax Emergency Air Release (SPEARTM) Needle (North American Rescue, LLC, USA) with subsequent return of spontaneous circulation. Discussion: Penetrating chest trauma carries significant morbidity and mortality. In traumatic cardiac arrest due to a penetrating mechanism, it is paramount that the patient be transported to a trauma center as quickly as possible. Prehospital pericardiocentesis is a potential life-saving intervention.