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Abstract

Thoracic trauma is common and potentially deadly. Injuries from thoracic trauma range from rib fractures requiring only pain control to cardiac lacerations with tamponade or exsanguinating hemorrhage. Given the range of injuries, acuity and clinical presentation, multiple diagnostic modalities, and treatment options exist for thoracic trauma. Thoracoscopic techniques have evolved from simple suction placement through an existing chest tube site and diaphragmatic injury evaluation to the currently used video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

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Lauerman, M.H., Diaz, J.J. (2015). The Chest. In: Scalea, T. (eds) The Shock Trauma Manual of Operative Techniques. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2371-7_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2371-7_2

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