PRISM :: Browsing by Author "Ball, Chad G."

Browsing by Author "Ball, Chad G."

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Open Access
Clinical manifestations of tension pneumothorax: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
(BioMed Central, 2014-01-04) Roberts, Derek J.; Leigh-Smith, Simon; Faris, Peter D.; Ball, Chad G.; Robertson, Helen Lee; Blackmore, Christopher; Dixon, Elijah; Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.; Kortbeek, John B.; Stelfox, Henry Thomas
Open Access
Complications related to deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in trauma: a systematic review of the literature
(BioMed Central, 2010-01-06) Datta, Indraneel; Ball, Chad G.; Rudmik, Lucas; Hameed, S Morad; Kortbeek, John B
Open Access
Correct the Coagulopathy and Scoop It Out: Complete Reversal of Anuric Renal Failure through the Operative Decompression of Extraperitoneal Hematoma-Induced Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
(2012-12-17) McBeth, Paul B.; Dunham, Michael; Ball, Chad G.; Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.
We report two cases of extraperitoneal compression of the intra-abdominal space resulting in abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) with overt renal failure, which responded to operative decompression of the extra-peritoneal spaces. This discussion includes patient presentation, clinical course, diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes. Data was collected from the patient’s electronic medical record and a radiology database. ACS appears to be a rare but completely reversible complication of both retroperitoneal hematoma (RH) and rectus sheath hematoma (RSH). In patients with large RH or RSH consideration of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) monitoring combined with aggressive operative drainage after correction of the coagulopathy should be considered. These two cases illustrate how a relatively benign pathology can result in increased IAP, organ failure, and ultimately ACS. Intervention with decompressive laparotomy and evacuation of clot resulted in return to normal physiologic function.
Open Access
Correction: Empowering the willing: the feasibility of tele-mentored self-performed pleural ultrasound assessment for the surveillance of lung health
(2023-05-04) Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.; McKee, Jessica L.; Ball, Chad G.; Ma, Irene W. Y.; Melniker, Lawrence A.
Open Access
A decade of experience with injuries to the gallbladder
(BioMed Central, 2010-04-15) Ball, Chad G.; Dixon, Elijah; Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.; Sutherland, Francis R; Laupland, Kevin B.; Feliciano, David V
Open Access
Does trauma team activation associate with the time to CT scan for those suspected of serious head injuries?
(BioMed Central, 2013-11-18) Rados, Alma; Tiruta, Corina; Xiao, Zhengwen; Kortbeek, John B.; Tourigny, Paul; Ball, Chad G.; Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.
Open Access
Empowering the willing: the feasibility of tele-mentored self-performed pleural ultrasound assessment for the surveillance of lung health
(2022-01-03) Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.; McKee, Jessica L.; Ball, Chad G.; Ma, Irene W. Y.; Melniker, Lawrence A.
Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 infection, manifesting as COVID-19 pneumonia, constitutes a global pandemic that is disrupting health-care systems. Most patients who are infected are asymptomatic/pauci-symptomatic can safely self-isolate at home. However, even previously healthy individuals can deteriorate rapidly with life-threatening respiratory failure characterized by disproportionate hypoxemic failure compared to symptoms. Ultrasound findings have been proposed as an early indicator of progression to severe disease. Furthermore, ultrasound is a safe imaging modality that can be performed by novice users remotely guided by experts. We thus examined the feasibility of utilizing common household informatic-technologies to facilitate self-performed lung ultrasound. Methods A lung ultrasound expert remotely mentored and guided participants to image their own chests with a hand-held ultrasound transducer. The results were evaluated in real time by the mentor, and independently scored by three independent experts [planned a priori]. The primary outcomes were feasibility in obtaining good-quality interpretable images from each anatomic location recommended for COVID-19 diagnosis. Results Twenty-seven adults volunteered. All could be guided to obtain images of the pleura of the 8 anterior and lateral lung zones (216/216 attempts). These images were rated as interpretable by the 3 experts in 99.8% (647/648) of reviews. Fully imaging one’s posterior region was harder; only 108/162 (66%) of image acquisitions was possible. Of these, 99.3% of images were interpretable in blinded evaluations. However, 52/54 (96%) of participants could image their lower posterior lung bases, where COVID-19 is most common, with 99.3% rated as interpretable. Conclusions Ultrasound-novice adults at risk for COVID-19 deterioration can be successfully mentored using freely available software and low-cost ultrasound devices to provide meaningful lung ultrasound surveillance of themselves that could potentially stratify asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic patients with early risk factors for serious disease. Further studies examining practical logistics should be conducted. Trial Registration: ID ISRCTN/77929274 on 07/03/2015.
Open Access
Evidence for use of damage control surgery and damage control interventions in civilian trauma patients: a systematic review
(2021-03-11) Roberts, Derek J.; Bobrovitz, Niklas; Zygun, David A.; Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.; Ball, Chad G.; Faris, Peter D.; Stelfox, Henry T.
Abstract Background Although damage control (DC) surgery is widely assumed to reduce mortality in critically injured patients, survivors often suffer substantial morbidity, suggesting that it should only be used when indicated. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine which indications for DC have evidence that they are reliable and/or valid (and therefore in which clinical situations evidence supports use of DC or that DC improves outcomes). Methods We searched 11 databases (1950–April 1, 2019) for studies that enrolled exclusively civilian trauma patients and reported data on the reliability (consistency of surgical decisions in a given clinical scenario) or content (surgeons would perform DC in that clinical scenario or the indication predicted use of DC in practice), construct (were associated with poor outcomes), or criterion (were associated with improved outcomes when DC was conducted instead of definitive surgery) validity for suggested indications for DC surgery or DC interventions. Results Among 34,979 citations identified, we included 36 cohort studies and three cross-sectional surveys in the systematic review. Of the 59 unique indications for DC identified, 10 had evidence of content validity [e.g., a major abdominal vascular injury or a packed red blood cell (PRBC) volume exceeding the critical administration threshold], nine had evidence of construct validity (e.g., unstable patients with combined abdominal vascular and pancreas gunshot injuries or an iliac vessel injury and intraoperative acidosis), and six had evidence of criterion validity (e.g., penetrating trauma patients requiring > 10 U PRBCs with an abdominal vascular and multiple abdominal visceral injuries or intraoperative hypothermia, acidosis, or coagulopathy). No studies evaluated the reliability of indications. Conclusions Few indications for DC surgery or DC interventions have evidence supporting that they are reliable and/or valid. DC should be used with respect for the uncertainty regarding its effectiveness, and only in circumstances where definitive surgery cannot be entertained.
Open Access
High Mobility Group Box-1 Protein and Outcomes in Critically Ill Surgical Patients Requiring Open Abdominal Management
(2017-02-14) Malig, Michelle S.; Jenne, Craig N.; Ball, Chad G.; Roberts, Derek J.; Xiao, Zhengwen; Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.
Background. Previous studies assessing various cytokines in the critically ill/injured have been uninformative in terms of translating to clinical care management. Animal abdominal sepsis work suggests that enhanced intraperitoneal (IP) clearance of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) improves outcome. Thus measuring the responses of DAMPs offers alternate potential insights and a representative DAMP, High Mobility Group Box-1 protein (HMGB-1), was considered. While IP biomediators are being recognized in critical illness/trauma, HMGB-1 behaviour has not been examined in open abdomen (OA) management. Methods. A modified protocol for HMGB-1 detection was used to examine plasma/IP fluid samples from 44 critically ill/injured OA patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing two negative pressure peritoneal therapies (NPPT): Active NPPT (ANPPT) and Barker’s Vacuum Pack NPPT (BVP). Samples were collected and analyzed at the time of laparotomy and at 24 and 48 hours after. Results. There were no statistically significant differences in survivor versus nonsurvivor HMGB-1 plasma or IP concentrations at baseline, 24 hours, or 48 hours. However, plasma HMGB-1 levels tended to increase continuously in the BVP cohort. Conclusions. HMGB-1 appeared to behave differently between NPPT cohorts. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship of HMGB-1 and outcomes in septic/injured patients.
Open Access
Hospital mortality among major trauma victims admitted on weekends and evenings: a cohort study
(BioMed Central, 2009-07-27) Laupland, Kevin B.; Ball, Chad G.; Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.
Open Access
The impact of shorter prehospital transport times on outcomes in patients with abdominal vascular injuries
(BioMed Central, 2013-12-21) Ball, Chad G.; Williams, Brian H.; Tallah, Clarisse; Salomone, Jeffrey P.; Feliciano, David V.
Open Access
Penetrating renal injuries: an observational study of non-operative management and the impact of opening Gerota’s fascia
(2022-06-20) Clements, Thomas W.; Ball, Chad G.; Nicol, Andrew J.; Edu, Sorin; Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.; Navsaria, Pradeep
Abstract Background Non-operative management has become increasingly popular in the treatment of renal trauma. While data are robust in blunt mechanisms, the role of non-operative management in penetrating trauma is less clear. Additionally, there is a paucity of data comparing gunshot and stab wounds. Methods A retrospective review of patients admitted to a high-volume level 1 trauma center (Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town) with penetrating abdominal trauma was performed. Patients with renal injuries were identified and compared based on mechanism [gunshot (GSW) vs. stab] and management strategy (operative vs. non-operative). Primary outcomes of interest were mortality and failure of non-operative management. Secondary outcomes of interest were nephrectomy rates, Clavien-Dindo complication rate, hospital length of stay, and overall morbidity rate. Results A total of 150 patients with renal injuries were identified (82 GSW, 68 stab). Overall, 55.2% of patients required emergent/urgent laparotomy. GSWs were more likely to cause grade V injury and concurrent intra-abdominal injuries (p > 0.05). The success rate of non-operative management was 91.6% (89.9% GSW, 92.8% stab, p = 0.64). The absence of hematuria on point of care testing demonstrated a negative predictive value of 98.4% (95% CI 96.8–99.2%). All but 1 patient who failed non-operative management had associated intra-abdominal injuries requiring surgical intervention. Opening of Gerota’s fascia resulted in nephrectomy in 55.6% of cases. There were no statistically significant risk factors for failure of non-operative management identified on univariate logistic regression. Conclusions NOM of penetrating renal injuries can be safely and effectively instituted in both gunshot and stab wounds with a very low number of patients progressing to laparotomy. Most patients fail NOM for associated injuries. During laparotomy, the opening of Gerota’s fascia may lead to increased risk of nephrectomy. Ongoing study with larger populations is required to develop effective predictive models of patients who will fail NOM.
Open Access
The Potential Clinical Utility of Serum and Peritoneal C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Measurement in Trauma and Critically Ill Patients
(2019-07) Al Hinai, Fatma; Kirkpatrick, Andrew Wallace W.; Doig, Christopher James; Ball, Chad G.
C reactive protein (CRP) levels remain an enigma in the prognostication and management of trauma patients. Several studies have suggested that serum and peritoneal CRP levels may be associated with and predict morbidity and mortality. Other studies have raised doubts on these findings. A clear recognition of the critical role of CRP is required. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the role of serum CRP in trauma patients in predicting sepsis, organ failure and mortality. In addition, we investigated the association between serum CRP levels and ISS (injury Severity Score). A second study was conducted to evaluate the potential utility of serum and peritoneal CRP in predicting clinical outcomes in trauma and critically ill patients. Studies supported the association between high CRP measurements with clinical outcomes including sepsis and organ failure. High peritoneal CRP levels was associated with mortality in critically ill patients. In conclusion, CRP measurements may help identify patients at high risk who may benefit from more intense physiologic monitoring. Peritoneal CRP is a promising diagnostic tool in the assessment of the critically ill and injured.
Open Access
Rupture and intra-peritoneal bleeding of a hepatocellular carcinoma after a transarterial chemoembolization procedure: a case report
(BioMed Central, 2009-01-20) Reso, Artan; Ball, Chad G.; Sutherland, Francis R.; Bathe, Oliver; Dixon, Elijah
Open Access
Science fiction or clinical reality: a review of the applications of artificial intelligence along the continuum of trauma care
(2023-03-06) Hunter, Olivia F.; Perry, Frances; Salehi, Mina; Bandurski, Hubert; Hubbard, Alan; Ball, Chad G.; Morad Hameed, S.
Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning describe a broad range of algorithm types that can be trained based on datasets to make predictions. The increasing sophistication of AI has created new opportunities to apply these algorithms within within trauma care. Our paper overviews the current uses of AI along the continuum of trauma care, including injury prediction, triage, emergency department volume, assessment, and outcomes. Starting at the point of injury, algorithms are being used to predict severity of motor vehicle crashes, which can help inform emergency responses. Once on the scene, AI can be used to help emergency services triage patients remotely in order to inform transfer location and urgency. For the receiving hospital, these tools can be used to predict trauma volumes in the emergency department to help allocate appropriate staffing. After patient arrival to hospital, these algorithms not only can help to predict injury severity, which can inform decision-making, but also predict patient outcomes to help trauma teams anticipate patient trajectory. Overall, these tools have the capability to transform trauma care. AI is still nascent within the trauma surgery sphere, but this body of the literature shows that this technology has vast potential. AI-based predictive tools in trauma need to be explored further through prospective trials and clinical validation of algorithms.
Open Access
A simple and rapid vascular anastomosis for emergency surgery: a technical case report
(BioMed Central, 2009-08-03) Ball, Chad G.; Feliciano, David V
Open Access
The Abdomen in “Thoracoabdominal” Cannot Be Ignored: Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Complicating Extracorporeal Life Support
(2014-05-08) Lee, Arthur J.; Wells, Bryan J.; Chun, Rosaleen; Ball, Chad G.; Kirkpatrick, Andrew. W.
Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is an incredible life-saving measure that is being used ever more frequently in the care of the critically ill. Management of these patients requires extreme vigilance on the part of the care providers in recognizing and addressing the complications and challenges that may arise. We present a case of overt abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in a previously well young male on ECLS with a history of trauma, submersion, hypothermia, and no intra-abdominal injuries. The patient developed ACS soon after ECLS was initiated which resulted in drastically compromised flow rates. Taking into account the patient’s critical status, an emergent laparotomy was performed in the intensive care unit which successfully resolved the ACS and restored ECLS flow. The patient had an unremarkable course following and was weaned off ECLS but unfortunately died from his original anoxic injury. This case highlights several salient points: first, care of patients on ECLS is challenging and multiple etiologies can affect our ability to manage these patients; second, intra-abdominal pressures should be monitored liberally in the critically ill, especially in patients on ECLS; third, protocols for emergent operative treatment outside of traditional operating rooms should be established and care providers should be prepared for these situations.
Open Access
The unrestricted global effort to complete the COOL trial
(2023-05-11) Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.; Coccolini, Federico; Tolonen, Matti; Minor, Samuel; Catena, Fausto; Gois, Emanuel; Doig, Christopher J.; Hill, Michael D.; Ansaloni, Luca; Chiarugi, Massimo; Tartaglia, Dario; Ioannidis, Orestis; Sugrue, Michael; Colak, Elif; Hameed, S. M.; Lampela, Hanna; Agnoletti, Vanni; McKee, Jessica L.; Garraway, Naisan; Sartelli, Massimo; Ball, Chad G.; Parry, Neil G.; Voght, Kelly; Julien, Lisa; Kroeker, Jenna; Roberts, Derek J.; Faris, Peter; Tiruta, Corina; Moore, Ernest E.; Ammons, Lee A.; Anestiadou, Elissavet; Bendinelli, Cino; Bouliaris, Konstantinos; Carroll, Rosemarry; Ceresoli, Marco; Favi, Francesco; Gurrado, Angela; Rezende-Neto, Joao; Isik, Arda; Cremonini, Camilla; Strambi, Silivia; Koukoulis, Georgios; Testini, Mario; Trpcic, Sandy; Pasculli, Alessandro; Picariello, Erika; Abu-Zidan, Fikri; Adeyeye, Ademola; Augustin, Goran; Alconchel, Felipe; Altinel, Yuksel; Hernandez Amin, Luz A.; Aranda-Narváez, José M.; Baraket, Oussama; Biffl, Walter L.; Baiocchi, Gian L.; Bonavina, Luigi; Brisinda, Giuseppe; Cardinali, Luca; Celotti, Andrea; Chaouch, Mohamed; Chiarello, Maria; Costa, Gianluca; de’Angelis, Nicola; De Manzini, Nicolo; Delibegovic, Samir; Di Saverio, Salomone; De Simone, Belinda; Dubuisson, Vincent; Fransvea, Pietro; Garulli, Gianluca; Giordano, Alessio; Gomes, Carlos; Hayati, Firdaus; Huang, Jinjian; Ibrahim, Aini F.; Huei, Tan J.; Jailani, Ruhi F.; Khan, Mansoor; Luna, Alfonso P.; Malbrain, Manu L. N. G.; Marwah, Sanjay; McBeth, Paul; Mihailescu, Andrei; Morello, Alessia; Mulita, Francesk; Murzi, Valentina; Mohammad, Ahmad T.; Parmar, Simran; Pak, Ajay; Wong, Michael P.; Pantalone, Desire; Podda, Mauro; Puccioni, Caterina; Rasa, Kemal; Ren, Jianan; Roscio, Francesco; Gonzalez-Sanchez, Antonio; Sganga, Gabriele; Scheiterle, Maximilian; Slavchev, Mihail; Smirnov, Dmitry; Tosi, Lorenzo; Trivedi, Anand; Vega, Jaime A. G.; Waledziak, Maciej; Xenaki, Sofia; Winter, Desmond; Wu, Xiuwen; Zakaria, Andee D.; Zakaria, Zaidi
Abstract Background Severe complicated intra-abdominal sepsis (SCIAS) has an increasing incidence with mortality rates over 80% in some settings. Mortality typically results from disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, progressive and self-perpetuating bio-mediator generation, systemic inflammation, and multiple organ failure. A further therapeutic option may be open abdomen (OA) management with negative peritoneal pressure therapy (NPPT) to remove inflammatory ascites and attenuate the systemic damage from SCIAS, although there are definite risks of leaving the abdomen open whenever it might possibly be closed. This potential therapeutic paradigm is the rationale being assessed in the Closed Or Open after Laparotomy (COOL trial) ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03163095 ). Initially, the COOL trial received Industry sponsorship; however, this funding mandated the use of a specific trademarked and expensive NPPT device in half of the patients allocated to the intervention (open) arm. In August 2022, the 3 M/Acelity Corporation without consultation but within the terms of the contract canceled the financial support of the trial. Although creating financial difficulty, there is now no restriction on specific NPPT devices and removing a cost-prohibitive intervention creates an opportunity to expand the COOL trial to a truly global basis. This document describes the evolution of the COOL trial, with a focus on future opportunities for global growth of the study. Methods The COOL trial is the largest prospective randomized controlled trial examining the random allocation of SCIAS patients intra-operatively to either formal closure of the fascia or the use of the OA with an application of an NPPT dressing. Patients are eligible if they have free uncontained intraperitoneal contamination and physiologic derangements exemplified by septic shock OR severely adverse predicted clinical outcomes. The primary outcome is intended to definitively inform global practice by conclusively evaluating 90-day survival. Initial recruitment has been lower than hoped but satisfactory, and the COOL steering committee and trial investigators intend with increased global support to continue enrollment until recruitment ensures a definitive answer. Discussion OA is mandated in many cases of SCIAS such as the risk of abdominal compartment syndrome associated with closure, or a planned second look as for example part of “damage control”; however, improved source control (locally and systemically) is the most uncertain indication for an OA. The COOL trial seeks to expand potential sites and proceed with the evaluation of NPPT agnostic to device, to properly examine the hypothesis that this treatment attenuates systemic damage and improves survival. This approach will not affect internal validity and should improve the external validity of any observed results of the intervention. Trial registration: National Institutes of Health ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03163095 ).
Open Access
Traumatic Injury of the Superior Mesenteric Vein: Ligate, Repair or Shunt?
(Urban and Vogel, 2007) Ball, Chad G.; Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.; Smith, Matthew; Mulloy, Robert H.; Tse, Leonard; Anderson, Ian B.
Open Access
Variation in use of damage control laparotomy for trauma by trauma centers in the United States, Canada, and Australasia
(2021-10-14) Roberts, Derek J.; Faris, Peter D.; Ball, Chad G.; Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.; Moore, Ernest E.; Feliciano, David V.; Rhee, Peter; D’Amours, Scott; Stelfox, Henry T.
Abstract Background It is unknown how frequently damage control (DC) laparotomy is used across trauma centers in different countries. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of trauma centers in the United States, Canada, and Australasia to study variations in use of the procedure and predictors of more frequent use of DC laparotomy. Methods A self-administered, electronic, cross-sectional survey of trauma centers in the United States, Canada, and Australasia was conducted. The survey collected information about trauma center and program characteristics. It also asked how often the trauma program director estimated DC laparotomy was performed on injured patients at that center on average over the last year. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of a higher reported frequency of use of DC laparotomy. Results Of the 366 potentially eligible trauma centers sent the survey, 199 (51.8%) trauma program directors or leaders responded [United States = 156 (78.4%), Canada = 26 (13.1%), and Australasia = 17 (8.5%)]. The reported frequency of use of DC laparotomy was highly variable across trauma centers. DC laparotomy was used more frequently in level-1 than level-2 or -3 trauma centers. Further, high-volume level-1 centers used DC laparotomy significantly more often than lower volume level-1 centers (p = 0.02). Nearly half (48.4%) of high-volume volume level-1 trauma centers reported using the procedure at least once weekly. Significant adjusted predictors of more frequent use of DC laparotomy included country of origin [odds ratio (OR) for the United States vs. Canada = 7.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–40.27], level-1 verification status (OR = 6.02; 95% CI 2.01–18.06), and the assessment of a higher number of severely injured (Injury Severity Scale score > 15) patients (OR per-100 patients = 1.62; 95% CI 1.20–2.18) and patients with penetrating injuries (OR per-5% increase = 1.27; 95% CI 1.01–1.58) in the last year. Conclusions The reported frequency of use of DC laparotomy was highly variable across trauma centers. Those centers that most need to evaluate the benefit-to-risk ratio of using DC laparotomy in different scenarios may include high-volume, level-1 trauma centers, particularly those that often manage penetrating injuries.