Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for anaesthetists in thoracic trauma: an evidence-based review

Anaesthetists play an important role in the evaluation and treatment of patients with signs of thoracic trauma. Anaesthesia involvement can provide valuable input using both advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Commonly performed interventions may be complicated in this setting including airway management, damage control resuscitation, and acute pain management. Anaesthetists must consider additional factors including airway injuries, vascular injuries, and coagulopathy when treating this population. This evidence-based review discusses traumatic thoracic injuries with a focus on new interventions and modern anaesthesia techniques. This review further serves to support the early involvement of anaesthetists in the emergency department and other areas where they can provide value to the trauma care pathway.