Minor Procedures in Trauma.

Procedures such as central access and tube thoracostomy are integral in the care of the injured patient. However, both increasing life span and patient complexity of comorbidities can hinder procedural success. Careful forethought should be completed before, simply, charging ahead with a procedure. This article covers the details needed to be successful in carrying out these 2 procedural "staples" in trauma. From anatomy to pain control to postprocedural management, this article will be the building block for technical success. Understanding what you are doing and careful planning ahead are now more than ever crucial to patient care.