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Penetrating thoracic trauma in arrow injuries
N Peloponissios1, N Halkic, O Moeschler
1Department of Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland. nicolas.peloponissios@chuv.hospvd.ch
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|March 28, 2001
Summary
Penetrating thoracic trauma from arrows is rare. Do not remove arrows from the mediastinum or hilum until major vascular or cardiac injury is excluded to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Trauma surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Penetrating thoracic trauma is uncommon.
- Arrow injuries to the thorax are particularly rare.
- Management guidelines for such injuries are not well-established.
Observation:
- A case of hilar penetrating thoracic trauma caused by an arrow is presented.
- Literature review on the management of arrow-induced thoracic trauma.
- The elasticity of surrounding tissues can narrow the wound track.
- A tamponade effect may occur due to tissue elasticity.
Findings:
- Arrow removal in the mediastinal or hilar region requires careful consideration.
- Pre-removal assessment for major blood vessel or cardiac injury is crucial.
- Delayed removal can mitigate risks associated with tamponade or bleeding.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of a cautious approach to arrow removal in thoracic trauma.
- Definitive surgical intervention should be guided by the absence of vascular or cardiac injury.
- Standardized management protocols for rare thoracic arrow injuries may be needed.