Intrapericardial heart and great vessel injuries

ABSTRACT

Eighteen patients with intrapericardial penetrating injuries of the heart or great vessels are reviewed, and the results compared with other published material. The majority presented with injuries of the left anterior chest wall and with clinical evidence of cardiac tamponade. Most of the injuries resulted from stab wounds, and there were two deaths which occurred in the immediate peri-operative period. The importance and clinical recognition of cardiac tamponade is stressed. Immediate thoracotomy and repair of the cardiac wound is advocated, and pericardiocentesis is recommended only as a temporary measure to allow transportation of the patient to definitive care. (AU)