CV Directions Vol. 2, No. 2 | Page 6

CV  “A 75-90 percent reduction in time from OR door to incision has been achieved by creating opportunities for parallel processes.... CODE ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm rAAA registration; and the blood bank. patient orientated tasks. The patient’s hemodynamic status update is delivered to the team 10 minutes prior to arrival. Patients deemed stable (systolic >80mmHg), per Code Rupture protocol guidelines are admitted through the ED and onward to radiology where a scanner has been placed on hold to perform a CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast (unless outside films are available). The C-arm and operating table are staged to enable the patient to be transferred from the stretcher to the table without interference of equipment, and allows unhindered 360-degree access to the patient. Patients deemed unstable (systolic <80 mmHg for 10 minutes or longer) are admitted directly to the OR. The comprehensive communication model has resulted in a more efficient and standardized team approach in preparation to receive the patient. Rapid Registration Process For Direct Admit to OR; A rapid registration process in the OR allows the staff to expedite the procurement of blood products. A book containing pre-assigned generic patient ID stickers and armbands labeled “Code Rupture___” is located at the OR control desk, complete with instructions of how to register the patient. Once the OR charge nurse is notified of the direct admit to the OR, one phone call to patient registration activates a new account and medical record, with the generic ID, which is later reconciled. Once the account is active, a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) is ordered and a runner is dispatched to courier the blood products to the OR suite receiving the patient. OR Staging And Contingency; Proactively organizing and staging the operating suite to receive emergencies after hours offers the surgical team a significant time advantage as well as opportunities to better prioritize and focus personnel resources to more acute 6 This staging has created opportunities for simultaneous processes, including: arterial monitoring line placement, Foley catheter insertion, shaving, prepping, and draping. Once the patient is draped, the C-arm is positioned over the patient from the left shoulder, which enables the anesthesia staff to maintain full access to the head of the patient for induction immediately following insertion of the aortic occlusion balloon. Immediately following intubation, a central line may be inserted. Should problems arise obtaining arterial monitoring access, the surgeon may pass off a line from the side port of a femoral arterial sheath (intermittent arterial monitoring). And Anesthesia. The anesthesia process evolved from a serial process to a more efficient, simultaneous, multidisciplinary team approach per evidence-based practice and research. A 75-90 percent reduction in time from OR door to incision has been achieved by creating opportunities for parallel processes, with greater emphasis placed on gaining control of the bleeding before anesthesia induction by practicing permissive hypotension. Anesthesia induction may result in loss of sympathetic nervous system drive and vascular tone, creating a sudden drop in blood pressure. This drop may exacerbate the bleed, leading to hemodynamic collapse, cardiac arrest, and increased intraoperative mortality. Preoperative or intraoperative occurrence of cardiac arrest, profuse bleeding, ) X