Case Presentation
A 45-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department at Tampa General Hospital with worsening abdominal pain and acute chest pain in the setting of a Grade III splenic laceration. Initial exam was notable for a BP of 60/38 mmHg, HR 54, and other signs of poor perfusion including pallor.
Resuscitation Strategy
Recognizing severe hemorrhagic shock and impending cardiovascular collapse, the ED team administered one unit of warmed whole blood in less than five minutes through an 18-gauge peripheral IV using LifeFlow and the QinFlow Warrior warmer. Following transfusion, blood pressure improved to 110/74 mmHg and heart rate increased to 72 bpm. The patient was then hemodynamically stable for transfer directly to the operating room.
Outcome
Timely blood administration stabilized the patient prior to surgery. Following operative management, the patient was admitted to the ICU in stable condition.
Clinician Feedback
The treating nurse shared that LifeFlow helped get the patient to the OR faster. She especially appreciated that additional units of blood could be administered seamlessly while transporting the patient, eliminating delays in resuscitation.
Clinical Discussion
Solid organ injuries can progress quickly to hemorrhagic shock. Optimal care includes early blood transfusion to stabilize the patient for surgical intervention. This case demonstrates how a rapid transfusion of whole blood through peripheral IV access was sufficient to improve hemodynamics, restore perfusion, and expedite definitive hemorrhage control. LifeFlow provided an efficient and intuitive means of delivering blood during a time-sensitive trauma resuscitation, supporting stabilization before surgery.