Thoracotomy in the ED
Criteria: Most use the EAST Recommendations 1) Follow your ATLS protocol first! - This means this patient should be intubated, have had bilateral chest tubes/thoracostomies, and adequate/appropriate volume resuscitation first - If the patient still remains hypotensive and there is still active bleeding and they fit the EAST criteria, may proceed with thoracotomy 2) Tool kit (simplified ED) A. Finochietto Retractor (crank handle must be opposite side of spreader handle, bar always