We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Cryoablation for Chest Wall Trauma: A Brief Report.
- Authors
Farley, Paige; Buckley, Colin T.; Mullen, Parker R; Taylor, Catherine N.; Doll, Alissa; Lee, Yannleei L.; Butts, C Caleb; Simmons, Jon D.; Kinnard, Christopher M.
- Abstract
Respiratory failure secondary to rib fractures is a major source of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients, particularly in older populations. Management of pain in these patients is complex due to the nature of the injuries. We present 3 patients who underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic cryoablation of intercostal nerves for pain control after chest trauma. None of the patients developed post-operative complications related to poor respiratory status such as pneumonia or atelectasis. At one-month clinic follow-up, all patients reported no chest pain and were not using opiate analgesics. In patients for whom there is a contraindication to rib fixation in the setting of unstable rib fractures, cryoablation may be a method by which to improve respiratory status and decrease ventilator dependency due to pain. Cryoablation of intercostal nerves may provide a more durable and clinically feasible solution to aid in the healing process of these patients.
- Publication
American Surgeon, 2022, Vol 88, Issue 5, p984
- ISSN
0003-1348
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/00031348211058630