The National Trauma Data Bank story for emergency department thoracotomy: How old is too old?

The fastest growing segment of the American population is the elderly (>65 years). This change in demographics also is being seen in trauma centers. Emergency department thoracotomy is utilized in an attempt to restore circulation for patients arriving in extremis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinical variables, particularly age, and outcomes for injured patients receiving an emergency department thoracotomy.
Source: Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Source Type: research