Revista paulista de medicina
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The emergency department thoracotomy as a ressuscitative measure is a controversial subject in trauma surgery. Indiscriminate indication has occurred due to unclearness upon the real value of this procedure, but further critical evaluation has reduced initial enthusiasm rather emphasizing a more rational approach by systematization of criteria for selective indication. ⋯ According to vital signs the patients conditions are classified as fatal, agonic and shock; survival rates oscillate between 0 to 40%. This study presents a review of the literature discussing indications, technical aspects, complications and clinical outcome of emergency department thoracotomy in trauma patients.