Resuscitative thoracotomy in emergency room: how to get better outcomes?

Aims: The aim of this article is to review the main indications and results of resuscitative thoracotomy. Methods: Bibliographic review was performed between May and June 2017 on Resuscitative Thoracotomy in the PubMed and Periódicos Capes databases. Results: The resuscitative thoracotomy is used to have a fast access to the heart and major thoracic vessels, seeking to control bleeding, relieve cardiac tamponade, allow cardiac massage, clamp down the descending thoracic aorta, and repair heart damage. According to the available literature, the procedure presents a long-term survival rate ranging from 10 to 30% for penetrating trauma and from 0 to 2% for blunt trauma. Conclusions: Resuscitative thoracotomy should be reserved for selected cases, having better results in cases of penetrating trauma. The better indication to do the procedure is the key for the better results.