Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Computer Applications-Detection, diagnosis, Computer Applications-3D, Instrumentation, Conventional radiography, CT, Abdomen, Trauma, Emergency, Acute, Foreign bodies
Authors:
M. De La Hoz Polo, L. M. Meacock, D. A. Elias, E. Kashef, D. Bew, E. A. Dick; London/UK
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2018/C-1875
Background
In the trauma setting a number of internal and external medical devices are used to maintain life support and manage severe injuries of unstable patients.
Common devices such as endotracheal tube,
nasopharyngeal tube,
nasogastric tubes,
and chest and abdominal drains are well known to most radiologists.
Nevertheless,
radiologists with limited trauma experience might not be familiar with the appearance of other devices such as tracheostomy,
laryngeal airway mask,
pneumothorax needle decompression,
pelvic binder,
tourniquet,
intraosseous line,
different types of packing material for damage control surgery,
inferior vena cava filter,
aortic endovascular balloon and temporal orthopaedic fixation devices.
We reviewed the internal and external medical devices used in acute trauma patients admitted to two of the main Level 1 Trauma Centres in London,
King´s College Hospital and St Mary´s Hospital, and describe their indications,
and review their physical and radiological appearance and correct placement.
We show examples of incorrectly placed devices and complications secondary to device placement.