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Citation
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Robinson S, McNicholas MJ, Polyzois I, Dunbar I, Payne AP, Forrest M. Inj. Extra 2010; 41(12): 142. |
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Abstract
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Background: We investigated the potential to utilise fire service hydraulic cutting equipment to effect life saving amputations in entrapped trauma victims.
Materials and methods: After a successful pilot study using four cadaveric porcine hind-leg models; three fresh frozen bequeathed cadaveric lower limb specimens each underwent five guillotine amputations using the hydraulic cutting equipment and conventional war surgical techniques. Video-documentation of each guillotine amputation was studied to define the: (i) number of cutting actions required to complete the amputations without the need for other cutting instruments, (ii) total time to achieve a completed amputation, (iii) quality of cut and (iv) proximal extent of fracture propagation.
Results: Our study confirms that this equipment would enable extrication from immediately life threatening circumstances between two and seven times quicker than conventional amputation techniques.
Conclusion: The equipment allows effective access to facilitate maximal stump length preservation and protects attending staff and the injured patient from the dangers of conventional amputation techniques in these difficult circumstances.Keywords: Life saving; Amputation; Hydraulic; Cutting; Equipment |