A surgical incision into the chest cavity performed in the emergency department to address injuries resulting from penetrating trauma.
Indicated in patients with penetrating chest trauma experiencing cardiac arrest or severe hemodynamic instability. Often utilized as a life-saving measure to control hemorrhage, relieve cardiac tamponade, or address other immediately life-threatening intrathoracic injuries.
"Patient presents with penetrating chest trauma and is in extremis; emergency department thoracotomy performed."
Documentation of a critical and emergent surgical procedure.
Common questions about using medical phrases in clinical documentation