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Original Article
Management of cardiac trauma and penetrating cardiac injuries with severe hemorrhagic shock: a 5-year experience
Tran Thuc Khang
J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(4):268-275.   Published online December 16, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0063
  • 2,041 View
  • 89 Download
AbstractAbstract PDF
Purpose
The diagnosis and management of cardiac trauma and penetrating cardiac injuries pose significant challenges in emergency settings due to the rapid onset of life-threatening complications. This paper presents a narrative review to better describe the etiology, presentation, and management of penetrating cardiac trauma, offering insights and experiences related to performing emergency surgery for such cases.
Methods
We compiled cases of traumatic cardiac rupture and penetrating cardiac injuries accompanied by severe hemorrhagic shock that necessitated emergency surgery. Data were collected regarding the type of injury, causative agents, specific clinical features observed during emergency admission, intraoperative parameters, and treatment outcomes.
Results
Twenty-one patients (16 men, 5 women) with cardiac rupture or penetrating cardiac injuries were recorded. All patients presented in severe shock, and six cases (28.6%) experienced cardiac arrest upon arrival in the operating room. Cardiac rupture due to blunt chest trauma occurred in two cases (9.5%), and one case (4.8%) involved right atrial perforation due to complex open chest trauma. Penetrating injuries accounted for cardiac perforation in 18 cases (85.7%). Associated injuries were present in 11 cases (52.4%). The intraoperative mortality rate was 9.5%, and there was one postoperative death on the 11th day due to multiorgan failure.
Conclusions
Cardiac trauma and penetrating injuries are usually fatal unless promptly diagnosed and surgically treated. The timing and rapidity of emergency surgery—often foregoing ancillary tests and administrative procedures—are critical for patient survival. Emergency sternotomy, swift control of bleeding, and aggressive resuscitation are essential operative measures in saving lives. Factors that influence prognosis include the extent of blood loss, duration of cardiac arrest, acid-base imbalances, coagulopathy, multiorgan failure, and postoperative infections.
Summary
Case Reports
Penetrating right ventricular injury following a single gunshot to the left flank in Iraq: a case report
Zryan Salar Majeed, Yad N. Othman, Razhan K. Ali
J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(3):253-257.   Published online April 19, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0073
  • 2,871 View
  • 57 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
  • 1 Citations
AbstractAbstract PDF
A century ago, cardiac injuries usually resulted in death. However, despite all the advances in medicine, these injuries still have high mortality and morbidity rates. In the present case, we describe a patient with a bullet injury to the right ventricle who survived at our hospital despite the limitations of our center with regard to modalities and equipment. A 30-year-old man was brought to our emergency department with a bullet wound to his left flank. He was hemodynamically unstable. After only 8 minutes in the hospital and without further investigations he was rushed to the operating room. During laparotomy, a clot was visible in the left diaphragm, which dislodged and caused extensive bleeding. The decision was made to perform a sternotomy in the absence of a sternal saw. An oblique 8-cm injury to the right ventricle was discovered following rapid exploration. It was repaired without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. After a few days in the hospital, the patient was discharged home. In the event of a penetrating cardiac injury, rapid decision-making is crucial for survival. Whenever possible, the patient should be transferred to the operating room, as emergency department thoracotomies are associated with a high mortality rate.
Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Management of cardiac trauma and penetrating cardiac injuries with severe hemorrhagic shock: a 5-year experience
    Tran Thuc Khang
    Journal of Trauma and Injury.2024; 37(4): 268.     CrossRef
Temporary Closure for Sternotomy in Patient with Massive Transfusion Might Be Lethal
Maru Kim, Joongsuck Kim, Sung Jeep Kim, Hang Joo Cho
J Trauma Inj. 2017;30(1):12-15.   Published online March 31, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2017.30.1.12
  • 2,530 View
  • 15 Download
AbstractAbstract PDF
A 58-year-old male visited our emergency room for multiple traumas from explosion. On initial evaluation, hemopneumoperitoneum with liver laceration (grade 4) and colon perforation was identified. Hemopericardium with cardiac tamponade was also identified. Shrapnel was detected in the right ventricle. Damage control surgery was planned due to condition of hypotension. In operation room, control over bleeding was achieved after sternotomy, pericardiotomy, and laparotomy. Massive transfusion was done during operation. After gauze packing, operation was terminated with temporary closure (TC). Sanguineous fluid was drained profusely. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy was confirmed through laboratory findings. No extravasation was discovered at hepatic angiogram. On re-operation, there was no active bleeding but oozing from sternotomy site was identified. Bone bleeding was impossible to control. Finally, reoperation was ended after gauze packing and TC all over again. The patient could survive for only a day after re-operation.
Summary

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