Resuscitative thoracotomy
June 3, 2026
by
TCAR Education Programs, Stephen Von Weller
A surgical procedure to emergently open the thorax and access structures in the thoracic cavity for rapid hemorrhage control, quick repairs, and internal cardiac massage. Also known as emergent thoracotomy, ED thoracotomy, ER thoracotomy, and "crack the chest". PRONUNCIATION: re-SUS-ci-TA-tive thor-a-COT-omy.