Establishment of a swine experimental model of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia: Combining induced hemorrhagic shock and vasopressor administration.

Aim: Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is associated with high mortality rates, but definitive treatments have not yet been established. Although experimental animal models are worthwhile, reproducible models that reflect the pathophysiology of NOMI have not been developed. Methods: We combined risk factors for NOMI, comprising hemorrhagic shock, systemic vasopressor infusion, and local vasopressor infusion from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in swine under maintained anesthesia. Experiment 1 involved full-intensity (40%) phlebotomy and systemic vasopressor (norepinephrine and epinephrine). Experiment 2 involved full-intensity (40%) phlebotomy, systemic norepinephrine, and local vasopressor infusion into the SMA. Experiment 3 involved moderate (27%) phlebotomy, systemic norepinephrine infusion, and local epinephrine infusion. We evaluated serum lactate levels, intestinal serosa color, computed tomography (CT) angiography, and pathological findings. Results: After inducing hemorrhage, systemic vasopressor alone and in combination with local vasopressin or norepinephrine infusion did not induce ischemic color changes in the intestine. The combination of systemic norepinephrine and local epinephrine (0.5 µg/kg/min) after moderate (27% blood loss) hemorrhage induced gross color change, pathological destruction, and elevation of serum lactate. Patent flow in the SMA was confirmed on CT angiography. Conclusion: We established a swine NOMI model with systemic norepinephrine infusion and local epinephrine with moderate hemorrhagic shock.

Hidden Inferior Vena Cava Injury: A Case of Missed Diagnosis after Preoperative CT and Laparotomy.

BACKGROUND Inferior vena cava (IVC) injury is a potentially fatal injury with a high mortality rate of 34-70%. In cases in which the patient's condition is stable, diagnosis by computed tomography (CT) is the criterion standard. Findings on CT include retroperitoneal hematoma around the IVC, extravasation of contrast medium, and abnormal morphology of the IVC. We report a case of an IVC injury that could not be diagnosed by preoperative CT examination and could not be immediately detected during laparotomy. CASE REPORT A 73-year-old woman had stabbed herself in the neck and abdomen at home using a knife. When she arrived at our hospital, we found a stab wound several centimeters long on her abdomen and a cut approximately 15 cm long on her neck. We activated the massive transfusion protocol because she was in a condition of hemorrhagic shock. After blood transfusion and blood pressure stabilization, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a small amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity. An otorhinolaryngologist performed successful drainage and hemostasis, and a laparotomy was performed. Gastric injury and mesentery injury of the transverse colon were identified and repaired with sutures. Subsequent search of the retroperitoneum revealed massive bleeding from an injury to the inferior vena cava (IVC). The IVC was repaired. Postoperative progress was good, and she was discharged from the hospital 65 days after her injuries. CONCLUSIONS We experienced a case of penetrating IVC injury, which is a rare trauma. Occult IVC injury may escape detection by preoperative CT examination or during laparotomy.

Clostridium perfringens-induced liver abscess with severe haemolysis.

Clostridium perfringens is notorious for causing skin and soft tissue infections and food poisoning. Rarely, C. perfringens infections are associated with severe haemolysis, with a mortality rate of >80%. A previously healthy man in his 70s who presented with fever as his chief symptom was promptly admitted to a regional core hospital. Over the next 3 hours, shock and multiple organ failure ensued, leading to referral to our hospital for intensive care. We suspected a liver abscess caused by C. perfringens infection with haemolysis, findings of severe haemolysis and a liver mass with gas production that appeared within a few hours. Though surgical drainage was contemplated, low blood pressure resulted in death within 3 hours of arrival at our hospital. The next day, a blood culture confirmed C. perfringens, proving the diagnosis. Improving patient outcomes requires increased awareness of the disease and early detection.

The need to suspect tension gastrothorax as a cause of obstructive shock in trauma care: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic tension gastrothorax is a type of obstructive shock similar to tension pneumothorax. However, tension gastrothorax is not well known among emergency physicians, and no consensus has yet been reached on management during initial trauma care. We present a case of traumatic tension gastrothorax in which tube thoracostomy was performed based solely on clinical findings very similar to tension pneumothorax, followed by emergency laparotomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 24-year-old male motorcyclist was brought to our emergency medical center after being struck by a motor vehicle. He was in respiratory failure and hypotensive shock with findings suggestive of pneumothorax. Although the physical findings were not fully in line with tension pneumothorax, we immediately performed finger thoracostomy. Subsequent radiography revealed left diaphragmatic rupture with hernia. After unsuccessful attempts to decompress the stomach with a nasogastric tube, immediate emergency laparotomy was performed. During the operation, the stomach, which had prolapsed through the ruptured diaphragm into the thoracic cavity, was manually returned to the abdominal cavity. The ruptured diaphragm was repaired with sutures. DISCUSSION: Although distinguishing between tension pneumothorax and tension gastrothorax based on physical examination alone is difficult, tension gastrothorax requires careful attention to avoid intrapleural contamination from gastric injury. In addition, relying solely on stomach decompression with a nasogastric tube or delaying laparotomy could lead to cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: When tension pneumothorax is suspected during initial trauma care, tension gastrothorax should also be considered as a differential diagnosis and treated with immediate diaphragmatic repair once identified.

Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality due to a fall while using an abdominal roller: A report of two cases.

Background: In recent years, various home-use health devices have gained popularity. The abdominal roller is one of these. Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality is known to occur even with relatively minor injuries, but there are few reports of such injuries caused by a roller. Case Presentation: Two cases of spinal cord injuries caused by a roller are reported. In both cases, injuries occurred during the standing rollout by a patient in an inebriated state, and the patients were rushed to an emergency department. Conclusion: Because the use of abdominal rollers may result in extremely serious disabilities, it is necessary to emphasize the appropriate use of such equipment.

Ultrasound assessment is useful for evaluating balloon volume of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (EBOA) increases proximal arterial pressure but may also induce life-threatening ischemic complications. Although partial REBOA (P-REBOA) mitigates distal ischemia, it requires invasive monitoring of femoral artery pressure for titration. In this study, we aimed to titrate P-REBOA to prevent high-degree P-REBOA using ultrasound assessment of femoral arterial flow. METHODS: Proximal (carotid) and distal (femoral) arterial pressures were recorded, and perfusion velocity of distal arterial pressures was measured by pulse wave Doppler. Systolic and diastolic peak velocities were measured among all ten pigs. Total REBOA was defined as a cessation of distal pulse pressure, and maximum balloon volume was documented. The balloon volume (BV) was titrated at 20% increments of maximum capacity to adjust the degree of P-REBOA. The distal/proximal arterial pressure gradient and the perfusion velocity of distal arterial pressures were recorded. RESULTS: Proximal blood pressure increased with increasing BV. Distal pressure decreased with increasing BV, and distal pressure sharply decreased by > 80% of BV. Both systolic and diastolic velocities of the distal arterial pressure decreased with increasing BV. Diastolic velocity could not be recorded when the BV of REBOA was > 80%. CONCLUSION: The diastolic peak velocity in the femoral artery disappeared when %BV was > 80%. Evaluation of the femoral artery pressure by pulse wave Doppler may predict the degree of P-REBOA without invasive arterial monitoring.

Cadaver surgical training and research using donated cadavers in the field of surgery in Japan: an overview of reports from 2012 to 2021.

PURPOSE: Subsequent to the publication of "Guidelines for cadaver dissection in education and research of clinical medicine" in 2012, cadaver surgical training (CST) was implemented in various surgical fields across Japan. This article summarizes the recent progress made in the implementation of CST using donated cadavers, and its associated research, focusing on the field of surgery, and discusses its future direction. METHODS: All reports from 2012 to 2021 registered with the CST Promotion Committee of the Japan Surgical Society were analyzed. There were 292 (24.9%) programs in the field of surgery, including acute care surgery, out of a total of 1173 programs overall. Data were classified by the purpose of implementations and fields of surgery, with subclassification by organ, costs and participation fees. RESULTS: CST and its research were introduced in 27 (33.3%) of a total 81 universities. The total number of participants was 5564 and the major (80%) purpose of the program was to advance surgical techniques. When classified by objectives, 65, 59 and 11% were for mastering operations for malignant disease, minimally invasive surgery, and transplantation surgery, respectively. CONCLUSION: CST in the field of surgery is increasing progressively in Japan, but still with disproportionate dissemination. Further efforts are needed to achieve full adoption.

Organ perfusion during partial REBOA in haemorrhagic shock: dynamic 4D-CT analyses in swine.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) increases proximal blood pressure while inducing distal ischemia of visceral organs. The evaluation of distal ischemia severity during REBOA is a prerequisite for safe resuscitation of haemorrhagic shock patients with REBOA. We evaluated changes in blood flow and organ perfusion due to the degree of occlusion using dynamic 4D-computed tomography (CT). We compared the results with those of a previous study on euvolemic status. Delayed enhancement of the inferior vena cava (IVC) without retrograde flow was observed in the 4D-volume rendering images in the high-degree occlusion. The time-density curve (TDC) of the liver parenchyma (liver perfusion) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) demonstrated a decreased peak density and a delayed peak in high-degree occlusion. The change rate of the area under the TDC of the liver and SMV decreased linearly as the degree of occlusion increased (PV, Y = -1.071*X + 106.8, r2 = 0.972, P = 0.0003; liver, Y = -1.050*X + 101.8, r2 = 0.933, P = 0.0017; SMV, Y = -0.985*X + 100.3, r2 = 0.952, P = 0.0009). Dynamic 4D-CT revealed less severe IVC congestion during P-REBOA in haemorrhagic shock than in euvolemia. Analyses of TDC of the liver and SMV revealed a linear change in organ perfusion, regardless of intravascular volume.

Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infection of the Trunk Resulting From Wound Caused by a Centipede: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Centipede envenomation is usually mild, but a review of the existing literature revealed a more serious course in a small proportion of patients. In fact, necrotizing soft-tissue infections have been reported following centipede stings in a small number of cases and require early diagnosis and treatment because of a high mortality rate. CASE REPORT A 78-year-old man was stung by a centipede on the left abdomen. Treatment with antimicrobial agents was started due to cellulitis, but extensive erythema developed from the left chest to the left buttock. Six days after being stung, he visited our hospital. Necrotizing soft-tissue infection was diagnosed and treated immediately with antibiotics and debridement on the left side of the abdomen and chest. Group A Streptococcus was detected in the fascia. The wound was left partially open and washed daily, resulting in gradual improvement of the wound condition. On hospitalization day 8, the open wound was able to be closed. Antimicrobial therapy was completed on hospitalization day 16. The patient showed good progress. CONCLUSIONS Centipede stings are not rare in tropical and subtropical regions, and most occurrences of centipede envenomation cause only local symptoms. However, we believe that even wounds caused by centipedes should be monitored, given the possibility of subsequent severe infection, as in the present case. In addition, the causative organisms identified in the present patient with necrotizing soft-tissue infection following a centipede sting were commensal bacteria of the skin. Future research is thus needed to clarify the relationship between these causative organisms and centipedes.

Guidelines for cadaver dissection in education and research of clinical medicine (The Japan Surgical Society and The Japanese Association of Anatomists).

This article translates the guidelines for cadaver surgical training (CST) published in 2012 by Japan Surgical Society (JSS) and Japanese Association of Anatomists from Japanese to English. These guidelines are based on Japanese laws and enable the usage of donated cadavers for CST and clinical research. The following are the conditions to implement the activities outlined in the guidelines. The aim is to improve medicine and to contribute to social welfare. Activities should only be carried out at medical or dental universities under the centralized control by the department of anatomy under the regulation of Japanese law. Upon the usage of cadavers, registered donors must provide a written informed-consent for their body to be used for CST and other activities of clinical medicine. Commercial use of cadavers and profit-based CST is strongly prohibited. Moreover, all the cadaver-related activities except for the commercial-based ones require the approval of the University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) before implementation. The expert committee organized at each university for the implementation of CST should summarize the implementation of the program and report the details of the training program, operating costs, and conflicts of interest to the CST Promotion Committee of JSS.

Guidelines for cadaver dissection in education and research of clinical medicine (The Japan Surgical Society and The Japanese Association of Anatomists).

This article translates the guidelines for cadaver surgical training (CST) published in 2012 by Japan Surgical Society (JSS) and Japanese Association of Anatomists from Japanese to English. These guidelines are based on Japanese laws and enable the usage of donated cadavers for CST and clinical research. The following are the conditions to implement the activities outlined in the guidelines. The aim is to improve medicine and to contribute to social welfare. Activities should only be carried out at medical or dental universities under the centralized control by the department of anatomy under the regulation of Japanese law. Upon the usage of cadavers, registered donors must provide a written informed-consent for their body to be used for CST and other activities of clinical medicine. Commercial use of cadavers and profit-based CST is strongly prohibited. Moreover, all the cadaver-related activities except for the commercial-based ones require the approval of the University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) before implementation. The expert committee organized at each university for the implementation of CST should summarize the implementation of the program and report the details of the training program, operating costs, and conflicts of interest to the CST Promotion Committee of JSS.

Usage of cadavers in surgical training and research in Japan over the past decade.

The "Guidelines for Cadaver Dissection in Education and Research of Clinical Medicine" drafted by the Japan Surgical Society (JSS) and the Japanese Association of Anatomists in 2012 helped dispel legal concerns over cadaver surgical training (CST) and the usage of donated human bodies for research and development (R&D) in the country. Subsequently, in the fiscal year 2018, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare increased the funding for CST, prompting its wider implementation. This study analyzed data obtained in 2012-2021 through the reporting system of the JSS-CST Promotion Committee to map the usage of cadavers for clinical purposes, specifically education and R&D, in Japan. We found that the number of medical universities using cadavers for CST and R&D programs was just 5 in 2012, and it reached 38 for the decade. Thus, about half of Japan's medical universities implemented such programs over the period. Meanwhile, the total number of programs was 1,173. In the clinical field, the highest number of programs were implemented in orthopedics (27%), followed by surgery (21%), and neurosurgery (12%). Based on the purpose, the most common objective of the programs (approximately 70%) was acquiring advanced surgical techniques. Further, the highest number of programs and participants were recorded in 2019 (295 programs, 6,537 participants). Thus, the guidelines helped expand cadaver usage for clinical purposes in Japan. To further promote the clinical usage of cadavers in medical and dental universities throughout Japan, sharing know-how on operating cadaver laboratories and building understanding among the general public is recommended.

Blast Injuries by an Improvised Explosive Device in Japan: A Case Report.

Blast injuries caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) are becoming more common in civilian settings. However, physicians may not be familiar with the treatment and management of blast-injured victims. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a blast injury caused by an IED in Japan. A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital's emergency department after sustaining a blast injury. His vital signs were stable, but he had multiple small wounds with embedded foreign bodies that were consistent with injuries sustained by IED victims. The patient was treated for his injuries and was moved to another hospital on day 37. Knowledge about blast injuries caused by IEDs and management strategies for mass casualties are both necessary.

Serum D-dimer level as a biomarker for identifying patients with isolated injury to prevent unnecessary whole-body computed tomography in blunt trauma care.

BACKGROUND: Unnecessary whole-body computed tomography (CT) may lead to excess radiation exposure. Serum D-dimer levels have been reported to correlate with injury severity. We examined the predictive value of serum D-dimer level for identifying patients with isolated injury that can be diagnosed with selected-region CT rather than whole-body CT. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients with blunt trauma (2014-2017). We included patients whose serum D-dimer levels were measured before they underwent whole-body CT. "Isolated" injury was defined as injury with Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score ≤ 5 to any of five regions of interest or with AIS score ≤ 1 to other regions, as revealed by a CT scan. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn for D-dimer levels corresponding to isolated injury; the area under the ROC (AUROC) was evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for several candidate cut-off values for serum D-dimer levels. RESULTS: Isolated injury was detected in 212 patients. AUROC was 0.861 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.815-0.907) for isolated injury prediction. Serum D-dimer level ≤ 2.5 µg/mL was an optimal cutoff value for predicting isolated injury with high specificity (100.0%) and positive predictive value (100.0%). Approximately 30% of patients had serum D-dimer levels below this cutoff value. CONCLUSION: D-dimer level ≤ 2.5 µg/mL had high specificity and high positive predictive value in cases of isolated injury, which could be diagnosed with selected-region CT, reducing exposure to radiation associated with whole-body CT.

Distal pressure monitoring and titration with percent balloon volume: feasible management of partial resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (P-REBOA).

INTRODUCTION: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) increases proximal arterial pressure, but may also induce life-threatening distal ischemia. Partial REBOA (P-REBOA) is thought to mitigate distal ischemia during aortic occlusion. However, feasible indicators of the degree of P-REBOA remain inconsistent. We hypothesised percent balloon volume could be a substitute for pressure measurements of gradients during P- REBOA. This study aimed to compare balloon volume and arterial pressure gradient, and analysed with intra-balloon pressure and balloon shape. METHODS: Proximal (carotid) and distal (femoral) arterial pressures were recorded and a 7-Fr REBOA catheter was placed in four swine. Total REBOA was defined as a cessation of distal pulse pressure and maximum balloon volume was documented. The balloon volume was titrated by 20% increments of maximum capacity to adjust the degree of P-REBOA. The distal/proximal arterial pressure gradient and the intra-balloon pressures were also recorded. The changes in shape and the cross-sectional area of the balloon were evaluated with computed tomography (CT) images. RESULTS: The proximal mean arterial pressure (MAP) plateaued after 60% balloon volume; meanwhile, distal pulse pressure was still left. The balloon pressure was traced with proximal MAP before contact with aortic wall. The balloon shape changed unevenly from "cone" to "spindle" shape, although the balloon cross-sectional area of the mid-segment linearly increased. CONCLUSION: Monitoring distal pressure and titrating percent balloon volume is feasible to manage P-REBOA. In this experiment, 60% balloon volume was enough inflation to elevate central pressure allowing distal perfusion. The intra-balloon pressure was not reliable due to the strong influence of proximal MAP and uneven change of the balloon shape.

Organ ischemia during partial resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta: Dynamic 4D Computed tomography in swine.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) increases proximal pressure, and simultaneously induces distal ischemia. We aimed to evaluate organ ischemia during partial REBOA (P-REBOA) with computed tomography (CT) perfusion in a swine model. The maximum balloon volume was recorded as total REBOA when the distal pulse pressure ceased. The animals (n = 4) were scanned at each 20% of the maximum balloon volume, and time-density curve (TDC) were analysed at the aorta, portal vein (PV), liver parenchyma, and superior mesenteric vein (SMV, indicating mesenteric perfusion). The area under the TDC (AUTDC), the time to peak (TTP), and four-dimensional volume-rendering images (4D-VR) were evaluated. The TDC of the both upper and lower aorta showed an increased peak and delayed TTP. The TDC of the PV, liver, and SMV showed a decreased peak and delayed TTP. The dynamic 4D-CT analysis suggested that organ perfusion changes according to balloon volume. The AUTDC at the PV, liver, and SMV decreased linearly with balloon inflation percentage to the maximum volume. 4D-VR demonstrated the delay of the washout in the aorta and retrograde flow at the inferior vena cava in the highly occluded status.

Blood flow of the venous system during resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta: Noninvasive evaluation using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a viable resuscitation approach for a subdiaphragmatic injury that can regulate arterial blood flow. On the other hand, the evaluation of venous or portal venous blood flow during REBOA remains insufficient because invasive cannulation or exposure of the vessel may affect the blood flow, and Doppler echography is highly operator-dependent. However, phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging has enabled accurate evaluation and noninvasive measurement. This study aimed to investigate the change of venous and portal venous blood flow during REBOA in a porcine model. METHODS: Seven pigs were anesthetized, and a REBOA catheter was placed. The blood flows of the inferior vena cava (IVC), hepatic vein (HV), portal vein (PV), and superior vena cava (SVC) were measured using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging, in both the balloon deflated (no-REBOA) and fully balloon inflated (REBOA) states. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure, cardiac index, and systemic vascular resistance index were measured. RESULTS: The blood flows of the suprahepatic, infrahepatic, and distal IVC, HV, and PV in the no-REBOA state were 1.40 ± 0.36 L·min, 0.94 ± 0.16 L·min, 0.50 ± 0.19 L·min, 0.060 ± 0.018 L·min, and 0.32 ± 0.091 L·min, respectively. The blood flow of each section in the REBOA condition was significantly decreased at 0.41 ± 0.078 (33% of baseline), 0.15 ± 0.13 (15%), 0.043 ± 0.034 (9%), 0.029 ± 0.017 (37%), and 0.070 ± 0.034 L·min (21%), respectively. The blood flow of the SVC increased significantly in the REBOA condition (1.4 ± 0.63 L·min vs. 0.53 ± 0.14 L·min [257%]). Mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac index, and systemic vascular resistance index were significantly increased after REBOA inflation. CONCLUSION: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta decreased blood flows of the IVC, HV, and PV and increased blood flow of the SVC. This result could be explained by the collateral flow from the lower body to the SVC. A better understanding of the effect of REBOA on the venous and portal venous systems may help control liver injury.

Administration of Corticosteroids, Ascorbic Acid, and Thiamine Improves Oxygenation after Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy.

PURPOSE: The activity of corticosteroids, ascorbic acid, and thiamine against oxidative and inflammatory responses was evaluated in patients undergoing esophagectomy. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of this combined therapy on lung dysfunction following esophagectomy. METHODS: In this retrospective before-after study, we compared the clinical course of consecutive patients undergoing thoracoscopic esophagectomy treated with the combination of corticosteroids, ascorbic acid, and thiamine between June and December 2018 with a control group treated with corticosteroids alone between January 2016 and May 2018. Outcomes included oxygenation (arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)/fractional concentration of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratios), duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. RESULTS: In all, 17 patients were included in this study (6 in the combination therapy group and 11 patients in the control group). Mean PaO2/FiO2 ratios in the combined therapy group were significantly higher than in the control group at all points during the observation period (p <0.001). In the combined therapy group, the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay were significantly shorter (p <0.001, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that combined therapy including corticosteroids, ascorbic acid, and thiamine may be effective in improving oxygenation after esophagectomy. Additional studies are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

The importance of simulation education for the management of traumatic cardiac injuries: a case series.

BACKGROUND: The management of cardiac trauma requires rapid intervention in the emergency room, facilitated by a surgeon with prior experience to have good outcomes. Many surgeons have little experience in the requisite procedures. We report here 4 patients who suffered cardiac trauma, and all 4 patients survived with good neurologic outcomes. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Patient 1 suffered blunt cardiac trauma from a motor vehicle accident and presented in shock. Cardiac tamponade was diagnosed and a cardiac rupture repaired with staples through a median sternotomy after rapid transport to the operating room. Patient 2 suffered blunt cardiac trauma and presented in shock with cardiac tamponade. Operating room median sternotomy allowed extraction of pericardial clot with recovery of physiologic stability. Patient 3 presented with self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest and was unstable. She was brought to the operating room and thoracotomy allowed identification of a left ventricle wound which was repaired with a suture. Patient 4 presented in cardiac arrest with multiple self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest. Emergency room thoracotomy allowed repair of a right ventricle laceration with recovery of vital signs. CONCLUSIONS: The management of all 4 patients was according to the principles taught in the ATOM course. Three of the 4 surgeons had no prior experience with management of cardiac trauma and credited the good outcomes to taking the ATOM course. These are uncommon injuries and formal training in their management is beneficial to patients.

The utility of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for temporary hemostasis after extensive bilateral lower extremity injuries: A case report.

A 75-year-old pedestrian was struck by a truck and in shock with both lower extremities significantly deformed, with injuries extending proximally to the inguinal region and degloving injuries. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta was performed to achieve temporary hemostasis and the patient became hemodynamically stable. Following stabilization, both lower extremities were amputated. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta may be effective to achieve temporary hemostasis in patients with extensive injuries of the lower extremities, especially with extension to the inguinal region which precludes use of a tourniquet.