Chapter 11 – Vertebral Artery Injuries
Abstract The vertebral artery (VA) is the first cephalad branch of the subclavian artery. From a trauma surgery perspective, the VA is divided into three parts. Part I runs from…
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Chapter 13 – Cervical Esophagus
Abstract The cervical esophagus extends from the cricopharyngeus muscle into the chest to become the thoracic esophagus. The external landmark of the pharyngoesophageal junction is the cricoid cartilage. On esophagoscopy,…
Chapter 21 – Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Evacuation of Retained Hemothorax
Abstract The majority of traumatic hemothoraces can be managed successfully with a chest tube placement. Retained hemothorax is defined as residual pleural blood >300–500 mL after initial thoracostomy tube evacuation….
Chapter 9 – Subclavian Vessels
Abstract On the right side, the subclavian artery originates from the innominate (brachiocephalic) artery, which branches into the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries. On the left side, it…
Chapter 8 – Carotid Artery and Internal Jugular Vein Injuries
Abstract The right common carotid artery originates from the innominate (brachiocephalic) artery. The external landmark is the right sternoclavicular joint. The left common carotid artery originates directly from the aortic…
Chapter 4 – Emergency Room Resuscitative Thoracotomy
Abstract The major muscles that are divided during resuscitative thoracotomy include the pectoralis major, the pectoralis minor, and the serratus anterior muscles. Pectoralis major muscle: It originates from the anterior…
Chapter 3 – Thoracostomy Tube Insertion
Abstract Strict antiseptic precautions and personal protective equipment should be used during the procedure. A single dose of prophylactic antibiotics with Cefazolin should be administered before the procedure. There is…
Chapter 2 – Cricothyroidotomy
Abstract The cartilaginous and bony structures of the larynx include the hyoid bone as well as the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. The trachea begins below the cricoid cartilage. The hyoid…
Chapter 6 – Evacuation of Acute Epidural and Subdural Hematomas
Abstract There are three meninges covering the brain: the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. The dura mater is the thickest and strongest membrane, and is firmly…
Chapter 10 – Axillary Vessels
Abstract External landmarks: The axillary vessels start at the middle of the clavicle, course deep under the deltopectoral groove, and end at the lateral border of the axilla. The axillary…
