Complete recovery following an unusual cardiac stab wound

A 17-year-old female was stabbed in the chest and found by paramedics in extremis. She arrived at the receiving hospital with spontaneous respirations and an improved blood pressure. Upon thoracotomy in the operating room, lacerations through the main pulmonary artery and the left atrium were found. The combined efforts of a sophisticated EMS system providing rapid in-field stabilization and transport, a ready in-house trauma team able to quickly assess and provide definitive care, and a prepared operating room team, including cardiopulmonary bypass capability, resulted in a complete and uncomplicated recovery from this rare and lethal injury.