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Bullet embolism into the cardiovascular system

E Cysne1, E G Souza, E Freitas

  • 1Cardio-Thoracic Department, Air Force Hospital, Galeao, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Texas Heart Institute Journal
|March 1, 1982
PubMed

Insights

Bullet embolism to the heart and arteries is rare but treatable. Successful surgical removal of bullets from the cardiovascular system is possible, with extracorporeal circulation recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Bullet embolism, a rare complication of gunshot wounds, involves foreign objects entering the circulatory system.
  • These emboli can lodge in critical areas, including the heart and major arteries, posing significant risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report two clinical cases of bullet embolism to the cardiovascular system.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and management strategies for such rare occurrences.

Main Methods:

  • Case report analysis of two patients with bullet embolism.
  • Surgical intervention involving bullet retrieval and extracorporeal circulation.

Main Results:

  • Successful surgical removal of intacardiac bullet emboli in both reported cases.
  • Bullet emboli were located in the right ventricle and left iliac artery, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Bullet embolism into the cardiovascular system requires prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention.
  • Extracorporeal circulation is a valuable tool for managing complex cardiovascular bullet emboli.

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