Respiratory failure after chest injury: the development of effective treatment
James, O.F.; Moore, P.G.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 64(4): 253-255
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-8843 PMID: 7092094 Document Number: 188723
The development of methods of treatment of severe chest injury over the years is reviewed and the contribution made by the introduction of intensive care units is assessed. A comparative analysis of the results of treatment in large series of patients reported during the period 1946-78 shows that, despite the risk of complications, the addition of artificial ventilation to conservative methods of treatment reduces mortality in patients with respiratory failure associated with chest trauma.