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Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury

Introduction Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) are found in only 0.5% of trauma patients who present to the hospital alive; however, the true incidence is much higher because only 20% of patients with a BTAI survive the scene of the accident. Of all deaths at the scene of traffic accidents, 33% are because of BTAI. It is estimated that 14,000 people die annually from BTAI in…

Initial Evaluation and Resuscitation

Primary Survey Initial assessment and management of the injured patient are guided by prioritized steps defined by the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program. Although described sequentially, these steps must be accomplished rapidly and often simultaneously. The first series of steps, the primary survey, is intended to identify and treat immediately life-threatening conditions and follows the acronym ABCDE: Airway: Ensure patency. Breathing: Rule out pneumo- and…