Cardiac trauma, a critical condition resulting from either blunt or penetrating injuries, presents a spectrum of outcomes from minor, self-resolving arrhythmias to fatal injuries. Rapid fatality is common, with approximately 90% of individuals with lethal cardiac trauma dying before reaching the hospital. Survival rates for those who do reach medical facilities range from 20% to 75%. The evaluation, management, and treatment of cardiac trauma involve a systematic approach guided by Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols.Blunt and penetrating cardiac injuries require different diagnostic strategies, ranging from electrocardiograms and cardiac-specific troponins to echocardiography and point-of-care ultrasound. In stable patients, computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography offer detailed imaging to guide treatment decisions. Management of cardiac trauma varies depending on the injury. Dysrhythmias may require advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) and potential electrical cardioversion; myocardial contusions are treated supportively; and cardiac ruptures necessitate surgical intervention. Penetrating injuries generally require operative management, with techniques to control bleeding and repair lacerations being crucial. Interprofessional teamwork is vital in managing cardiac trauma, ensuring comprehensive care from initial assessment through to definitive treatment. Despite advancements in medical care, the survival rate for traumatic cardiac arrest remains low, highlighting the need for rapid, coordinated intervention to improve outcomes. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s competence in performing the recommended evaluation of patients with cardiac trauma and implementing an appropriate interprofessional approach when managing this condition.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/18906
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABOS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABOS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABTS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABTS)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABTS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABTS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Adolescent Medicine, Adult Cardiac, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, Cardiac Anesthesia, Cardiothoracic, Cardiovascular, Cardiovascular Disease, Child Abuse Pediatrics, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Critical Care, Critical Care Medicine, General Operative Anesthesia, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Neurocritical Care, Orthopaedic Trauma, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, Surgical Critical Care, Thoracic Anesthesia, Trauma, Vascular Surgery