Critical Care

Could a 14F pigtail catheter replace a larger chest drain for traumatic haemothorax? This 2021 appraisal examines a multicentre randomised trial, weighing drainage failure, patient discomfort and statistical uncertainty, with particular attention to the exclusion of patients needing immediate emergency drainage.

Dan Horner's Difficult Airway Society 2021 talk examines emergency airway management through three priorities: cardiovascular stability, oxygenation and first-pass success. The transcript connects the evidence with preparation, multidisciplinary teamwork and local systems that support safer care across departments.

Does extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal make lower-volume ventilation safer or more effective? This 2021 review of the REST trial examines 90-day mortality, adverse events and the uncertainty left by early stopping in patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.

A 2021 appraisal of early CT coronary angiography for patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. It examines a UK randomised trial's patient outcomes, use of invasive angiography and limitations, asking whether routine CTCA is justified in this selected population.

Simon Carley's selection of ten trauma papers for the 2021 Trauma Care UK conference spans haemorrhage control, airway intervention and traumatic brain injury. The review considers what the findings add to practice and where trial design or uncertainty limits their interpretation.

Does fluid choice affect outcomes in intensive care? This 2021 appraisal of BaSICS compares Plasma-Lyte with 0.9% saline, examining 90-day mortality, infusion rates and subgroup findings while cautioning against generalising to every balanced solution or patient setting.