Traumacast

Dr. Aimee LaRiccia interviews Experts in Trauma Research - Dr. Deborah Stein, John Cull and Michelle Price about the National Trauma research Repository (NTRR). The history of the NTRR, project funding, and how trauma surgeons can get involved and take advantage of this resource are discussed. References:The public page of the NTRR: https://ntrr.nih.gov/CNTR website, which includes recorded webinars, a comprehensive document on the structure and functions of the NTRR, a quick NTRR info-sheet, and our NTRR poster that was presented at the 2025 Military Health Systems Research Symposium: https://www.nattrauma.org/ntrr-landing/Initial CNTR blog post announcing the Department of Defense contract to develop the NTRR: https://bit.ly/NTRRDODContract

Dr. David Fischer, a neurointensivist at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Matthew Kirschen, a pediatric neurointensivist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, dive deep into the complexities of brain death testing. They discuss the updated 2023 guidelines that unify adult and pediatric protocols, addressing the risks of incorrect determinations and the importance of rigorous training for clinicians. Key topics include the role of family consent, the challenges of assessing brain death in specific cases, and the intricacies of apnea testing.

Dr. Mohammed Bawazeer and Dr. Aimee LaRiccia discuss Small Bowel Obstructions with two expert ACS surgeons, Dr. Matthew Martin and Dr. Andrea Pakula. These experts delve into the complex management of this disease with a special focus on Minimally Invasive Techniques. 

Join Dr. Anaar Siletz and Dr. Joshua Dilday with the expert Guest Dr. Michael Cripps, and Fellow Guest Dr. Arielle Thomas-Jonasson. This is the twelfth episode of the Surgical Critical Care Review Series. This is a unique collaborative initiative between EAST and AAST. During this episode we will be discussing GI Bleeding and prophylaxis, Abdominal compartment syndrome, Acute pancreatitis/ necrotizing pancreatitis, Toxic megacolon and Ogilvie's syndrome  and Esophageal emergencies.Content preparation: Dr. Arielle Thomas-JonassonContent reviewers: Dr. Joshua Dilday and Dr. Anaar SiletzModerators: Dr. Joshua Dilday and Dr. Anaar SiletzExpert Guest: Dr. Michael CrippsFellow Guest: Dr. Arielle Thomas-JonassonTopics covered in this episode:GI Bleeding and ProphylaxisAbdominal Compartment SyndromeToxic Megacolon and Ogilvie's SyndromeEsophageal Emergencies

Dr. Anthony DeSantis and Dr. Lauren Craugh discuss Care of the Obstetrical Trauma Patient with Dr. Sigrid Burruss and Dr. Allison Lankford. From the physiologic differences that impact the ABCs to the unique laboratory markers of impending organ system failure this discussion will be an asset to your next trauma toolbox. Resources:  Burruss, Sigrid MD; Jebbia, Mallory MD; Nahmias, Jeffry MD, MHPE. Pregnancy and trauma: What you need to know. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 98(2):p 190-196, February 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004478

Dr. Neeraj Badjatia, a leader in neurocritical care, joins critical care fellows Dr. Jennifer Brewer and Dr. Leah Aakjar for an engaging discussion on neurologic management. They dive into the critical aspects of status epilepticus, emphasizing the need for timely intervention. Pain management strategies in the ICU take center stage, exploring multimodal analgesia and novel non-pharmacologic approaches. The trio also tackles delirium screening tools and the complexities surrounding subarachnoid hemorrhage, providing evidence-based recommendations for enhanced patient outcomes.

Purvi Patel, a trauma and critical care surgeon specializing in brain and spinal injuries, teams up with Caitlyn Braschi, a trauma fellow at LA General USC. Together, they delve into traumatic brain injuries, emphasizing strategies like the Glasgow Coma Scale and the role of beta blockers. The discussion highlights the urgency of addressing cervical spine injuries and their respiratory complications. Patel and Braschi also dissect spinal cord injury classifications and advocate for personalized treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Shyam Murali interviews Dr. Jamie Coleman and Dr. Patrick Murphy about their recent EAST Multicenter Trial looking at Acute Care Surgery service staffing, the physiologic toll of call on the body and determining how to “rightsize the workforce.. References: Murphy, Patrick B. MD, MPH, MSc; Coleman, Jamie J. MD; et al; The ACS Staffing Authorship Group. Understaffed and overworked: The stark reality of acute care surgeon staffing in the United States, an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter study. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery ():10.1097/TA.0000000000004700, July 4, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004700 

Scott Brakenridge, a renowned sepsis researcher at the University of Washington, joins surgical critical care fellow Erin White to tackle crucial topics in managing surgical infections. They discuss the early management of septic shock and the importance of following the Surviving Sepsis guidelines. The conversation dives into ventilator-associated pneumonia, highlighting preventive measures and treatment protocols. They also explore the complexities of managing C. diff infections and the innovative use of monoclonal antibodies in treating recurrent cases, offering fresh insights into critical care practices.

Dr. Chasen Croft, an associate professor of surgery and trauma medical director at the University of Florida, shares his expertise on managing hemothorax. He discusses diagnostic techniques like ultrasound and CT scans and the evolving use of smaller bore chest tubes. The conversation dives into management strategies, weighing operative intervention against observation, and highlights advancements in thoracic irrigation. Croft also explores the efficacy of innovative drainage methods and the future of less invasive approaches in trauma care.