Determine the mechanism and physiologic status to see if the patient meets EAST/WTA criteria for RT.
Guidelines & Evidence
Verified
Last Review: 2026
When to Use
Resuscitative Thoracotomy (RT), also known as Emergency Department Thoracotomy (EDT), is a final salvage procedure for patients in traumatic cardiac arrest. It aims to release pericardial tamponade, control cardiac or pulmonary hemorrhage, and perform aortic cross-clamping to prioritize blood flow to the heart and brain.
Contraindication: Blunt trauma without signs of life at the scene or upon arrival, or penetrating trauma without SOL for >15 minutes.
Related Scores in Practice
In clinical practice, this assessment is frequently evaluated alongside other validated measures. Depending on the patient's presentation and specific diagnostic requirements, you may also need to utilize the Reboa Zone Selection, Abc Massive Transfusion Score, or the Rts Score to formulate a comprehensive care plan.
