[The Würzburg polytrauma algorithm. Concept and first results of a sliding-gantry-based computer tomography diagnostic system]. / Der Würzburger Schockraumalgorithmus. Gesamtkonzept und erste Ergebnisse einer "sliding-gantry-basierten" Computertomographiediagnostik.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to show the practicability of a new algorithm in the management of polytraumatized patients based on Advanced Trauma Live Support (ATLS) and using mobile whole body multislice CT (MMDCT) as the primary imaging system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 120 trauma patients referred to the Würzburg University Hospital Trauma Emergency Room were categorized into suspected polytrauma and suspected non-polytrauma groups. The polytraumatized patients were investigated using the Würzburg polytrauma-algorithm including whole body multislice CT with a 16-row-scanner. The algorithm is described. The time for the diagnostic procedure was measured and compared with data from the Trauma Registry of the German Society of Trauma Surgery. RESULTS: From 120 patients 78 (66%) underwent whole body CT. The diagnostic procedure was quick with significant advantages especially for cranial and trunk diagnostics. CONCLUSION: The Würzburg polytrauma algorithm worked well. There was excellent cooperation within the interdisciplinary leading team consisting of anaesthesiologists, surgeons, and radiologists. The principles of ATLS could be respected. Mobile whole body multislice CT was an effective tool in the diagnostic evaluation of polytrauma patients.

[The "Würzburg T". A concept for optimization of early multiple trauma care in the emergency department]. / Das "Würzburger T". Ein Konzept zur Optimierung der frühen Polytraumaversorgung in der Notfallaufnahme.

INTRODUCTION: Anaesthesia management, radiological diagnostic and the concept of damage control surgery should be combined in the resuscitation room. Defined clinical targets and their realisation are a CT-scan and complete damage control surgery in the shock room. Furthermore minimised patient transfer and positioning with continuous access to the head, upper parts of the body and anaesthesia machine should be realised during diagnostic procedures. METHODS: Based on a carbon-slide fixed on a turntable and innovative alignment of diagnostic devices, a three phase treatment algorithm has been established. RESULTS: Phase A includes primary survey, anaesthetic management and ultrasound examination. Following a turn of the table conventional x-ray diagnostic is assessed in phase B. Tracks for the slide enable immediate transfer to a spiral CT-scan without additional patient positioning (phase C). Following complete CT-scan rearrangement of the table to phase A facilitates immediate damage control surgery. To accelerate device operation and treatment the integrated anaesthesia workstation is ceiling-mounted and manoeuvres close to the patient. CONCLUSIONS: This concept realizes complete diagnostic procedures and damage control surgery without time consuming patient transfer or rearrangement.