Revisiting Hartert's 1962 Calculation of the Physical Constants of Thrombelastography.

Thrombelastography (TEG)/thromboelastometry (ROTEM) devices measure viscoelastic clot strength as clot amplitude (A). Transformation of clot amplitude into clot elasticity (E with TEG; CE with ROTEM) is sometimes necessary (eg, when calculating platelet component of the clot). With TEG, clot amplitude is commonly transformed into shear modulus (G; expressed in Pa or dyn/cm) as follows: G = (5000 × A)/(100 - A).

Can the Viscoelastic Parameter α-Angle Distinguish Fibrinogen from Platelet Deficiency and Guide Fibrinogen Supplementation?

Viscoelastic tests such as thrombelastography (TEG, Haemoscope Inc., Niles, IL) and thromboelastometry (ROTEM, Tem International GmbH, Munich, Germany), performed in whole blood, are increasingly used at the point-of-care to characterize coagulopathic states and guide hemostatic therapy. An algorithm, based on a mono-analysis (kaolin-activated assay) approach, was proposed in the TEG patent (issued in 2004) where the α-angle and the maximum amplitude parameters are used to guide fibrinogen supplementation and platelet administration, respectively.

Venous air embolism through central venous access.

An 25-year-old man was buried by an avalanche during off-slope skiing. He was rescued by his companions and resuscitated by mouth-to-mouth ventilation. The emergency physician from a helicopter based emergency medical service placed two venous lines in both external jugular veins and secured the airway with a tracheal tube.