Whole-body multislice computed tomography as the first line diagnostic tool in patients with multiple injuries: the focus on time.

Objective: Whole-body multislice helical computed tomography (MSCT) becomes increasingly important as a diagnostic tool in patients with multiple injuries. We describe time requirement of two different diagnostic approaches to multiple injuries one with whole-body-MSCT (MSCT Trauma-Protocol) as the sole radiologic procedure and one with conventional use of radiography, combined with abdominal ultrasound and organ focused CT (Conventional-Trauma-Protocol).

Methods: Observational study with retrospective analysis of time requirements for resuscitation, diagnostic workup and transfer to definitive treatment after changing from conventional to MSCT Trauma-Protocol.

[The role of patient flow and surge capacity for in-hospital response in mass casualty events].

Mass casualty events make demands on emergency services and disaster control. However, optimized in- hospital response defines the quality of definitive care. Therefore, German federal law governs the role of hospitals in mass casualty incidents.

[The position of the emergency physician in the emergency medical service].

The participation of emergency physicians guarantees the quality of a modern emergency medical service (EMS). Within the scope of cost savings in health-care system, it is questioned whether emergency medical services in the future can be managed without emergency physicians. Deficits of structure and qualitaty of the emergency physician service are raised objections.

[The Würzburg polytrauma algorithm. Concept and first results of a sliding-gantry-based computer tomography diagnostic system].

Background: The purpose of this study was to show the practicability of a new algorithm in the management of polytraumatized patients based on Advanced Trauma Live Support (ATLS) and using mobile whole body multislice CT (MMDCT) as the primary imaging system.

Patients And Methods: A series of 120 trauma patients referred to the Würzburg University Hospital Trauma Emergency Room were categorized into suspected polytrauma and suspected non-polytrauma groups. The polytraumatized patients were investigated using the Würzburg polytrauma-algorithm including whole body multislice CT with a 16-row-scanner.

[Injuries to car passengers protected by air bags].

Objective: The air bag, like the seatbelt, is a further development of the inside protection of motorcar passengers. However, the airbag has also been made responsible for severe internal injuries.

Methods: In a retrospective case control study, 394 accidents in which the air bag was released were analysed.