Optimizing Patient Access During an Emergency While Using Intraoperative Computed Tomography.

TitleOptimizing Patient Access During an Emergency While Using Intraoperative Computed Tomography.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsBustillo MA, Lien CA, Mack PFogarty, Kopman DJ, Safavynia SA, Rubin L, Stein D, Härtl R, Stieg PE, R Hernandez N, Goldstein PA
JournalWorld Neurosurg
Volume121
Pagination274-278.e1
Date Published2019 Jan
ISSN1878-8769
KeywordsAged, Cervical Vertebrae, Clinical Protocols, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Treatment, Heart Arrest, Humans, Male, Neurosurgical Procedures, Operating Rooms, Patient Positioning, Surgery, Computer-Assisted, Time Factors, Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Abstract

BACKGROUND: As minimally invasive spine surgery evolves, spine surgeons increasingly rely on advanced intraoperative computed tomography (iCT). iCT provides rapid acquisition of high-resolution images, reduces radiation exposure, improves surgical accuracy, and decreases operative time. However, all iCT systems currently available pose a patient safety risk as their physical space requirements limit patient access in the event of an emergency, particularly when patients are in the prone position. After a near-cardiac arrest at our institution during posterior cervical spine surgery, it was apparent that the presence of the iCT complicated the ability to rapidly reposition the patient in order to provide appropriate resuscitation.

METHODS: To ensure our ability to provide timely care during an emergency, we determined that a process which included all members of the operating room (OR) team was required. We held an initial planning meeting where a detailed plan-of-action was created, reviewed, and revised in response to feedback from all stakeholders. We then simulated a cardiac arrest to test our resuscitation plan with all members of the neurosurgery team. A mannequin was positioned prone on an OR table within the iCT, and a resuscitation plan was created.

RESULTS: The team orchestrated the mock resuscitation, and the time of cardiac arrest in the prone position to supine repositioning required 110 seconds. The simulation was recorded for post-"code" performance review. Application of the protocol during an actual cardiac arrest was associated with successful restoration of spontaneous circulation and full recovery.

CONCLUSIONS: The development and rehearsal of an emergency plan of action greatly facilitated the timely responsiveness of the neurosurgical OR team during a simulated cardiac arrest and was an effective way to identify and address key logistical issues regarding the use of an iCT system.

DOI10.1016/j.wneu.2018.09.134
Alternate JournalWorld Neurosurg
PubMed ID30266700