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Abstract Background Complications after percutaneous breast biopsy are infrequent but may include hematoma, pseudoaneurysm formation, persistent pain, infection, delayed wound healing, vasovagal reaction, hemothorax, pneumothorax, and neoplastic seeding. The risk factors include tumor factors (size, location, vascularity), procedure-related factors (needle diameter, number of biopsies), and interventionist experience. There has been no previous report of a fatal complication resulting from percutaneous breast biopsy. Case presentation We report a 54-year-old Asian woman with a 3 cm BI-RADS® 4B left breast mass in the lower-inner quadrant who was biopsied by a 16 G needle under ultrasound guidance at a province hospital. She experienced dizziness and near-syncope afterward. The initial evaluation showed evidence of cardiac tamponade with hemodynamic instability. She underwent urgent subxiphoid pericardial window and was transferred to our facility. We brought her directly to the operating room to perform an explorative median sternotomy and found a 0.2 cm hole in the right ventricle. The injured site was successfully repaired without cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative echocardiography demonstrated mild right ventricular dysfunction without evidence of septal or valvular injury. She survived with no significant complications. Discussion This case might be the first report of a life-threatening complication related to percutaneous breast core-needle biopsy. The rapid pericardial release is key to the survival of cardiac tamponade. The patient subsequently required cardiac repair and monitoring to avoid long-term complications. In this report, we suggested a safe biopsy method, complications recognition, and appropriate management of penetrating cardiac injury. Conclusion Penetrating cardiac injury resulting from percutaneous breast biopsy is extremely rare but can occur. A biopsy must be done cautiously, and worst-case management should promptly be considered.

Background: Complications after percutaneous breast biopsy are infrequent but may include hematoma, pseudoaneurysm formation, persistent pain, infection, delayed wound healing, vasovagal reaction, hemothorax, pneumothorax, and neoplastic seeding. The risk factors include tumor factors (size, location, vascularity), procedure-related factors (needle diameter, number of biopsies), and interventionist experience. There has been no previous report of a fatal complication resulting from percutaneous breast biopsy. Case presentation: We report a 54-year-old Asian woman with a 3 cm BI-RADS® 4B left breast mass in the lower-inner quadrant who was biopsied by a 16 G needle under ultrasound guidance at a province hospital. She experienced dizziness and near-syncope afterward. The initial evaluation showed evidence of cardiac tamponade with hemodynamic instability. She underwent urgent subxiphoid pericardial window and was transferred to our facility. We brought her directly to the operating room to perform an explorative median sternotomy and found a 0.2 cm hole in the right ventricle. The injured site was successfully repaired without cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative echocardiography demonstrated mild right ventricular dysfunction without evidence of septal or valvular injury. She survived with no significant complications. Discussion: This case might be the first report of a life-threatening complication related to percutaneous breast core-needle biopsy. The rapid pericardial release is key to the survival of cardiac tamponade. The patient subsequently required cardiac repair and monitoring to avoid long-term complications. In this report, we suggested a safe biopsy method, complications recognition, and appropriate management of penetrating cardiac injury. Conclusion: Penetrating cardiac injury resulting from percutaneous breast biopsy is extremely rare but can occur. A biopsy must be done cautiously, and worst-case management should promptly be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac injury caused by a sharp object is a medical and surgical therapeutic challenge. Mortality risk factors have been identified but there are major discrepancies in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyse the management of victims of penetrating cardiac injuries before and after admission to hospital and the anatomical characteristics of these injuries in order to facilitate diagnosis of the most critical patients. Methods: To carry out this study, we conducted a retrospective analytical study with epidemiological data on victims of penetrating cardiac injuries. We included two types of patients, with those who underwent autopsy in our institution after death from sharp injury to the heart or great vessels and those who survived with treatment in the emergency department or intensive care unit between January 2015 and February 2022. Results: We included 30 autopsied patients and 12 survivors aged between 18 and 73 years. Higher mortality was associated with prehospital or in-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest (OR = 4, CI [1.71–9.35]), preoperative mechanical ventilation (OR = 10, CI [1.53–65.41]), preoperative catecholamines (OR = 7, CI [1.12–6.29]), preoperative and perioperative adrenaline (OR = 13, CI [1.98–85.46] and [1.98–85.46]), penetrating cardiac injury (OR = 14, CI [2.10–93.22]), multiple cardiac injuries (OR = 1.5, CI [1.05–2.22]) and an Organ Injury Scaling of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST-OIS) score of 5 (OR = 2.9, CI [1.04–8.54]; p = 0.0329) with an AUC-ROC curve value of 0.708 (CI [0.543–0.841]). Conclusions: This study identified risk mortality factors in penetrating cardiac injury patients. These findings can help improve the diagnosis and management of these patients. The AAST-OIS score may be a good tool to diagnose critical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac injury caused by a sharp object is a medical and surgical therapeutic challenge. Mortality risk factors have been identified but there are major discrepancies in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyse the management of victims of penetrating cardiac injuries before and after admission to hospital and the anatomical characteristics of these injuries in order to facilitate diagnosis of the most critical patients. Methods: To carry out this study, we conducted a retrospective analytical study with epidemiological data on victims of penetrating cardiac injuries. We included two types of patients, with those who underwent autopsy in our institution after death from sharp injury to the heart or great vessels and those who survived with treatment in the emergency department or intensive care unit between January 2015 and February 2022. Results: We included 30 autopsied patients and 12 survivors aged between 18 and 73 years. Higher mortality was associated with prehospital or in-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest (OR = 4, CI [1.71–9.35]), preoperative mechanical ventilation (OR = 10, CI [1.53–65.41]), preoperative catecholamines (OR = 7, CI [1.12–6.29]), preoperative and perioperative adrenaline (OR = 13, CI [1.98–85.46] and [1.98–85.46]), penetrating cardiac injury (OR = 14, CI [2.10–93.22]), multiple cardiac injuries (OR = 1.5, CI [1.05–2.22]) and an Organ Injury Scaling of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST-OIS) score of 5 (OR = 2.9, CI [1.04–8.54]; p = 0.0329) with an AUC-ROC curve value of 0.708 (CI [0.543–0.841]). Conclusions: This study identified risk mortality factors in penetrating cardiac injury patients. These findings can help improve the diagnosis and management of these patients. The AAST-OIS score may be a good tool to diagnose critical patients.

INTRODUCTION: Traditionally promoted as toy guns, air guns have long been used by children and lack many regulatory guidelines compared to conventional firearms. However these weapons possess serious lethal potential and have led to numerous injuries and deaths. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a 21 year old man who sustained a penetrating cardiac wound from a pellet gun that led to cardiac tamponade and death. Post-mortem examination showed the pellet had penetrated the left ventricle and anterior esophagus with subsequent intraluminal migration into the stomach. DISCUSSION: Review of the literature identified 39 other cases of penetrating cardiac injuries from air guns. Sternotomy was the most frequently used surgical approach and the right and left ventricles were the most commonly affected chambers. Bullet embolization was the most frequently reported complication. Including our case, five deaths related to penetrating cardiac injury from air guns were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights the seriousness of air guns and demonstrates a unique intra-thoracic injury.

Introduction: Penetrating chest trauma (PCT) represents 10% of worldwide mortality, with developing countries counting as some of the most affected by high mortality rates due to cardiac trauma. Colombia is considered one of the most violent countries due to the high mortality rate associated with war and crime, hence the validation of an own classification for penetrating cardiac injuries (PCI) is mandatory. Methods: Retrospective cross‐sectional study which included adult patients with PCIs at a level 4 trauma center in Colombia, between January 2018 and April 2020. We used our own system (Bogotá Classification) and compared it with traditional systems (e.g., Ivatury's, OIS‐AAST), by analyzing the mechanism of injury (MOI), the hemodynamic status of the patient at admission, the inpatient management, the individual outcomes, and some demographic variables. Bivariate statistical analysis, spearman correlation, and logistic regression were performed. Results: Four hundred and ninety‐nine patients were included. Bivariate analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between mortality and hemodynamic state, MOI, its location and degree of lesion, cardiac/vessel injury, cardiac tamponade, time between injury and medical care, fluid reanimation, as well as the Ivatury's classification and the new classification (p < 0.005). The adequate correlation between Ivatury's and Bogotá classification supports the latter's clinical utility for patients presenting with PCI. Likewise, logistic regression showed a statistically significant association among mortality rates (p < 0.005). Conclusions: The Bogotá classification showed similar performance to the Ivatury's classification, correlating most strongly with mortality. This scale could be replicated in countries with similar social and economic contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Penetrating chest trauma (PCT) represents 10% of worldwide mortality, with developing countries counting as some of the most affected by high mortality rates due to cardiac trauma. Colombia is considered one of the most violent countries due to the high mortality rate associated with war and crime, hence the validation of an own classification for penetrating cardiac injuries (PCI) is mandatory. Methods Retrospective cross‐sectional study which included adult patients with PCIs at a level 4 trauma center in Colombia, between January 2018 and April 2020. We used our own system (Bogotá Classification) and compared it with traditional systems (e.g., Ivatury's, OIS‐AAST), by analyzing the mechanism of injury (MOI), the hemodynamic status of the patient at admission, the inpatient management, the individual outcomes, and some demographic variables. Bivariate statistical analysis, spearman correlation, and logistic regression were performed. Results Four hundred and ninety‐nine patients were included. Bivariate analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between mortality and hemodynamic state, MOI, its location and degree of lesion, cardiac/vessel injury, cardiac tamponade, time between injury and medical care, fluid reanimation, as well as the Ivatury's classification and the new classification (p

Penetrating cardiac injuries carry a grave prognosis. We present a rare case of thoracic gunshot injury where the bullet ricocheted and lodged in the pericardium without causing damage to the adjacent cardiac structures. Multimodality imaging helped in localizing the bullet, assessing damage, and planning safe surgical removal without cardiopulmonary bypass. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Introduction: Penetrating cardiac injuries are emergencies that require prompt surgical management. Most of these injuries are caused by gunshots or stab wounds however the incidence of nail-gun injuries is rising due to their availability and widespread use. Cardiac injuries caused by nail-guns are often self-inflicted. These injuries almost always require operative management with a sternotomy or thoracotomy. Case report: This case report describes a 47-year-old male with two self-inflicted nail-gun wounds to the chest. He presented in a stable condition and subsequently underwent an emergency sternotomy to repair a penetrating cardiac injury. We highlight our diagnostic and operative approach to this injury and present a contemporary narrative review of similar cases. Conclusion: Almost all cases of penetrating trauma caused by nail-gun injuries require urgent surgery. Some cases require the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. In this case, the use of the Medtronic® urchin apical suction device, usually reserved for off pump cardiac surgery, facilitated exposure and repair of the lateral wall of the left ventricle.

Cardiac impalement is a rare and usually fatal injury. Immediate recognition and surgical intervention are decisive factors for patient survival. This is a reported case of cardiac impalement with left ventricular transfixation, whose prehospital management, surgical treatment and postoperative care were successful.

Identifying penetrating cardiac injury in hemodynamically stable patients can be challenging especially when the patient has no signs of cardiac tamponade and no pericardial effusion identified on transthoracic echocardiography. In this case report, we discuss both penetrating cardiac injuries diagnosis algorithm and treatment strategies. At present, it is difficult to refer to general guidelines transposable from one center to another. We report the paramount importance of multidisciplinary management with experienced teams to face any possible pitfalls in traumatology especially in the context of penetrating cardiac injury.

Abstract Background The management of cardiac trauma requires rapid intervention in the emergency room, facilitated by a surgeon with prior experience to have good outcomes. Many surgeons have little experience in the requisite procedures. We report here 4 patients who suffered cardiac trauma, and all 4 patients survived with good neurologic outcomes. Case presentations Patient 1 suffered blunt cardiac trauma from a motor vehicle accident and presented in shock. Cardiac tamponade was diagnosed and a cardiac rupture repaired with staples through a median sternotomy after rapid transport to the operating room. Patient 2 suffered blunt cardiac trauma and presented in shock with cardiac tamponade. Operating room median sternotomy allowed extraction of pericardial clot with recovery of physiologic stability. Patient 3 presented with self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest and was unstable. She was brought to the operating room and thoracotomy allowed identification of a left ventricle wound which was repaired with a suture. Patient 4 presented in cardiac arrest with multiple self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest. Emergency room thoracotomy allowed repair of a right ventricle laceration with recovery of vital signs. Conclusions The management of all 4 patients was according to the principles taught in the ATOM course. Three of the 4 surgeons had no prior experience with management of cardiac trauma and credited the good outcomes to taking the ATOM course. These are uncommon injuries and formal training in their management is beneficial to patients.

Purpose of review: The purpose of this article is to review the imaging findings of blunt and penetrating traumatic cardiac injury. Recent findings: Due to its speed of acquisition and ready availability, multidetector CT has become the gold standard for imaging of both blunt and penetrating cardiac trauma. Echocardiography is the first-line modality for evaluation of the valves. While magnetic resonance imaging provides the most comprehensive examination, it should only be utilized for problem solving or follow-up. Summary: Cardiac traumatic injury is a rare entity that may result in significant adverse clinical outcomes. Variability in clinical presentation renders clinical diagnosis difficult, especially in the absence of a true gold standard. While cross-sectional imaging is rarely ordered to directly assess for cardiac injury, imaging is frequently utilized in trauma and may be valuable in providing clues to the diagnosis of cardiac injury and helping guide which injuries require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Comparative morbidity after either sternotomy or non-resuscitative thoracotomy in penetrating cardiac injuries (PCI) is unknown. Methods: Retrospective review of adults with PCI who underwent either sternotomy or nonresuscitative thoracotomy using the National Trauma Data Bank 2007-2015. Since there is no unique International Classification of Diseases Procedure Coding System (ICD-PCS) codes assigned for resuscitative vs. non-resuscitative thoracotomy, and both procedures were coded as "thoracotomy", propensity score (PS) methods were applied to avoid inclusion of resuscitative thoracotomy. Results: Despite well PS matching on injury severity score the non-thoracotomy group compared to the sternotomy group had a significantly increased risk of mortality (30 percent vs 8 percent, p<0.0001). The morbidity differed as well--25 percent vs. 12 percent, p=0.0007. Conclusions: The differences in mortality in PCI patients who underwent non-resuscitative thoracotomy vs. sternotomy may be biased by unintentional inclusion of resuscitative thoracotomy. To accurately capture thoracotomy type, separate unique resuscitative and non-resuscitative thoracotomy procedure codes should be created in future revisions of the ICD codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Universitas Médica is the property of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aorto‐cardiac fistula is a rare but potentially life‐threatening condition. We herein report a rare case of chronic aorto‐right ventricular fistula formation secondary to a stab penetrating injury to the heart and aorta occurred 15 years ago. The aorto‐right ventricular fistula was not found until 15 years after the incident. The fistula had been repaired successfully to prevent further deterioration of cardiac function. Here, we report the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment strategies of the aorto‐right ventricular fistula, and discuss the possible etiology of the development of the fistula after the penetrating injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The management of cardiac trauma requires rapid intervention in the emergency room, facilitated by a surgeon with prior experience to have good outcomes. Many surgeons have little experience in the requisite procedures. We report here 4 patients who suffered cardiac trauma, and all 4 patients survived with good neurologic outcomes. Case presentations: Patient 1 suffered blunt cardiac trauma from a motor vehicle accident and presented in shock. Cardiac tamponade was diagnosed and a cardiac rupture repaired with staples through a median sternotomy after rapid transport to the operating room. Patient 2 suffered blunt cardiac trauma and presented in shock with cardiac tamponade. Operating room median sternotomy allowed extraction of pericardial clot with recovery of physiologic stability. Patient 3 presented with self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest and was unstable. She was brought to the operating room and thoracotomy allowed identification of a left ventricle wound which was repaired with a suture. Patient 4 presented in cardiac arrest with multiple self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest. Emergency room thoracotomy allowed repair of a right ventricle laceration with recovery of vital signs. Conclusions: The management of all 4 patients was according to the principles taught in the ATOM course. Three of the 4 surgeons had no prior experience with management of cardiac trauma and credited the good outcomes to taking the ATOM course. These are uncommon injuries and formal training in their management is beneficial to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penetrating cardiac injury is rare and historically known to have very poor prognosis. Even today, 90 % of patients die before arriving to hospital. Even though patient presentations can be atypical, organized timely intervention can lead to survival. A 21 years old arrived 5 h after stab injury to right anterior chest. He was hypotensive with a sucking wound bleeding on his right chest as well as hemothorax on the same side. Chest tube and pericardial window were both done with blood in pericardial space. Median sternotomy was done and revealed right atrial perforation. The perforation was repaired and the patient was discharged and continues to do well on follow up. For most patients, time from injury to surgery is short. Focused and organized surveys as well as resuscitation are valuable for any patent with penetrating thoracic trauma. With a patient in hemorrhagic shock and a penetrating wound near the heart, a pericardial window is required regardless of the absence of pericardial fluid on ultrasound and in this case proved to be lifesaving. If there is a hole in the pericardium communicating with the pleural space the pericardial blood may decompress into the pleural cavity and not be visible on ultrasound. Regardless of its rare prevalence, high index of suspicion for cardiac injury is extremely important in all patients with penetrating chest trauma in the cardiac box regardless of atypical presentations. With rapid diagnosis, capable surgeon availability, and availability of blood products, patients can survive this injury. • Penetrating cardiac injury is rare accounting only 0.1% of most trauma admissions. • Patients commonly present with shock and tamponade. Delayed presentation is rare because most patients don't arrive to hospitals. • high index of suspecion for cardiac injury is extremly important even in atypically presented patients. • Median sternotomy is best and reasonable approach for penetrating cardiac injuries. • Proper implementation of ATLS principles can lead to survival even in resource limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying penetrating cardiac injury in hemodynamically stable patients can be challenging especially when the patient has no signs of cardiac tamponade and no pericardial effusion identified on transthoracic echocardiography. In this case report, we discuss both penetrating cardiac injuries diagnosis algorithm and treatment strategies. At present, it is difficult to refer to general guidelines transposable from one center to another. We report the paramount importance of multidisciplinary management with experienced teams to face any possible pitfalls in traumatology especially in the context of penetrating cardiac injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Surgery & Medicine (JOSAM) is the property of Journal of Surgery & Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ten patients with penetrating heart injury were admitted to the emergency room (ER) of Yemen International Hospital, Taiz, Yemen in the period 2011–2013. Nine patients were males and one was a female, with mean age of patients was 27.6 years old. All mechanisms of injuries were gunshot wounds except for one, which was a stab wound. Patients were classified into three groups according to their hemodynamic states and consciousness level. The first group includes five patients who were hemodynamically unstable and conscious. These patients were transferred immediately to the operating room. Patients with various heart injuries survived. The second group includes three patients who were in shock with no detectable blood pressure and semiconscious. Because there was no response to resuscitation, they were highly indicated for emergency thoracotomy, which could not be performed due to the presence of their firearms-carrying relatives in the ER. Therefore, these patients died. The third group includes two patients who were hemodynamically stable and conscious. They underwent pericardial window opening. In conclusion, penetrating cardiac injuries seen in our hospital are consistent with the available literature. However, it is believed that country security instability is one of the important factors that affects the management of such cases according to the international guidelines.

In India, stab injury is not uncommon, but identifying potential life threatening conditions in the emergency room (ER) and initiating prompt treatment are challenging. This is a case report of a young patient who presented to the ER with assault injury to the chest and shock; timely extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma helped to fast-track the patient to the operating room. A brief review of diagnosis and management of penetrating cardiac injury is presented herewith.

The proper treatment for tension pneumothorax is rapid needle decompression. This procedure is frequently performed in the field for trauma patients who have clinical symptoms of pneumothorax. The procedure itself has a high rate of failure due to improper placement, operator inexperience, or chest wall thickness. A 22-year-old unrestrained driver in a high-speed motor vehicle collision was found unconscious and subsequently had needle decompression for decreased breath sounds in the field. The patient was initially stable upon arrival but progressed to cardiac arrest. She had a thoracotomy in the emergency department that showed cardiac tamponade followed by return of spontaneous circulation. On formal thoracotomy, it was discovered that the patient had an iatrogenic cardiac injury from the angiocatheter placed during needle decompression. Needle decompression is a lifesaving procedure, but it is associated with high failure rates and possibility for iatrogenic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of suspected cardiac injuries in a trauma setting is a challenging and time-critical matter, with clinical and imaging findings having complementary roles in the formation of an accurate diagnosis. In this article, we review the supporting literature for the pathophysiology, classification and evaluation of cardiac injuries caused by trauma. We also describe 4 cardiac trauma patients seen at a tertiary referral hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penetrating cardiac injury is rare (0.1 % of trauma admissions) but fatal. Presentation is with features of cardiac tamponade or hemorrhagic shock. Urgent clinical evaluation, ultrasound, temporizing pericardiocentesis or surgical repair with cardiopulmonary bypass as back up consist of standard management. In this paper, experience of management of penetrating cardiac injury from a resource limited country is presented. There were seven patients, five had a stab injury and two had gunshot wound. All were men with mean age of 31.1 years. Patients arrived within 30 min (3), 2 h (2), 4 h (1) and 18 h (1) after injury. Mean initial blood pressure and pulse rates were 83/51 mm Hg and 121, respectively. One patient had pericardiocentesis before referral. Exploration was via left anterolateral thoracotomy. Four (57.1 %) had right ventricle perforation, one had both right and left ventricle, and two (28.5 %) had left ventricle perforation. Suture repair (6) and pericardial patch (1) were done without bypass machine as back up. Mean duration of stay in the intensive care unit and in the surgical wards were 4.4 days (range: 2–15) and 10.8 days (range: 1–48), respectively. All were discharged improved. Penetrating cardiac injury presents with low blood pressure and tachycardia after stab or gunshot wounds. Right ventricle is mostly affected. Pericardiocentesis can be done as temporary measure. While having bypass machine as back up is recommended, the absence of it should not preclude intervention. Suture repair can be done with left anterolateral thoracotomy. Penetrating cardiac injury can be managed in resource limited settings without back up of cardiopulmonary bypass. Early identification and surgical intervention results in favorable outcome. • Trauma is leading cause of morbidity and mortality in adolescents and young adults. • Penetrating cardiac injury is rare, but fatal trauma. • Cardiac injury can be easily missed, especially in polytrauma patient. • Patients with penetrating cardiac injury should be evaluated and managed urgently. • Most patients can be managed with thoracotomy even in the absence of a back up cardiopulmonary bypass machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (© 2023 The Korean Society of Traumatology.)

Background and Objective: Penetrating cardiac trauma is rare but can cause life-threatening complications. Survival is dependent on prompt diagnosis and treatment. Given the low incidence and life-threatening implications, it is difficult to study in large prospective studies. The current literature regarding penetrating cardiac trauma comes primarily from large, experienced trauma centers and military sources. Understanding the history, current literature and even expert opinion can help with effectively treating injury promptly to maximize survival after penetrating cardiac trauma. We aimed to review the etiology and history of penetrating cardiac trauma. We review the prehospital treatment and initial diagnostic modalities. We review the incisional approaches to treatment including anterolateral thoracotomy, median sternotomy and subxiphoid window. The repair of atrial, ventricular and coronary injuries are also addressed in our review. The purpose of this paper is to perform a narrative review to better describe the history, etiology, presentation, and management of penetrating cardiac trauma., Methods: A narrative review was preformed synthesizing literature from MEDLINE and bibliographic review from identified publications. Studies were included based on relevance without exclusion to time of publication or original publication language., Key Content and Findings: Sonographic identification of pericardial fluid can aid in diagnosis of patients too unstable for CT. Anterolateral thoracotomy should be used for emergent repairs and initial stabilization. A median sternotomy can be used for more stable patients with known injuries. Carefully placed mattress sutures can be useful for repair of injuries surrounding coronary vessels to avoid devascularization., Conclusions: Penetrating cardiac trauma is life threatening and requires prompt workup and treatment. Trauma algorithms should continue to refine and be clear on which patients should undergo an emergency department (ED) thoracotomy, median sternotomy and further imaging., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://med.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/med-22-18/coif). The series “Traumatic Injuries of the Mediastinum” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2023 Mediastinum. All rights reserved.)

Ten patients with penetrating heart injury were admitted to the emergency room (ER) of Yemen International Hospital, Taiz, Yemen in the period 2011-2013. Nine patients were males and one was a female, with mean age of patients was 27.6 years old. All mechanisms of injuries were gunshot wounds except for one, which was a stab wound. Patients were classified into three groups according to their hemodynamic states and consciousness level. The first group includes five patients who were hemodynamically unstable and conscious. These patients were transferred immediately to the operating room. Patients with various heart injuries survived. The second group includes three patients who were in shock with no detectable blood pressure and semiconscious. Because there was no response to resuscitation, they were highly indicated for emergency thoracotomy, which could not be performed due to the presence of their firearmscarrying relatives in the ER. Therefore, these patients died. The third group includes two patients who were hemodynamically stable and conscious. They underwent pericardial window opening. In conclusion, penetrating cardiac injuries seen in our hospital are consistent with the available literature. However, it is believed that country security instability is one of the important factors that affects the management of such cases according to the international guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]