Let’s talk chest trauma—Join Dr. Phelps for a discussion with expert trauma surgeon Dr. Niziolek. This episode of the Washington Manual of Surgery Podcast will focus on trauma of the thoracic cavity and is a companion to Chapter 7 of the 9th edition of the bestselling Washington Manual of Surgery.
Dr. Niziolek discusses chest trauma, highlighting its prevalence and high mortality rate, especially in cases involving thoracic injuries. She goes into detail on initial assessment and management following the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) protocols and procedures such as chest tube placement and resuscitative thoracotomy. The episode covers essential anatomy considerations and protocols for massive transfusion and emergency thoracotomy criteria.
Guest Host: Hannah Phelps, MD – General surgery resident at WashU Medicine.
Guest: Grace Niziolek, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at WashU Medicine. Dr. Niziolek’s specialty is in surgical critical care.
References:
Burlew CC, et al. "Resuscitative Thoracotomy." Western Trauma Association Practice Management Guidelines. Accessed 3/4/2025. https://www.westerntrauma.org/algorithms.php
Moore EE, Knudson MM, Burlew CC, et al. Defining the limits of resuscitative emergency department thoracotomy: a contemporary Western Trauma Association perspective. J Trauma. Feb 2011;70(2):334-9. doi:10.1097/TA.0b013e3182077c35
-------------------------------
The Washington Manual of Surgery Podcast is a companion to the Washington Manual of Surgery (9th Edition). For more comprehensive surgical education, pick up a copy of the Washington Manual of Surgery: https://bit.ly/41xJ0aQ
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2422197
For more information about the Department of Surgery at WashU Medicine, visit https://surgery.wustl.edu/ and follow us on social media.
-------
Instagram:
- WashU Medicine Department of Surgery: @washusurg
- General Surgery Residency at WashU Medicine: @washusurgres
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!