[Successful repair of left ventricular laceration due to traumatic broken ribs]

A 27-year-old woman was hospitalized by emergency due to multiple blunt trauma by traffic accident. Computed tomography (CT) showed pericardial effusion. Because hematothorax and pericardial effusion appeared alternatively, thoracocentesis and pericardiocentesis were performed. Finally, the diagnosis of cardiac rupture was confirmed, and surgery was performed through median sternotomy. The left ventricular free wall was penetrated by the edge of a broken rib through the hole of the pericardium and the pleura. Broken ribs were considered to have penetrated the pericardium and caused cardiac rupture. The left ventricular rupture was repaired using direct suture technique under no cardiopulmonary bypass. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on the 52th day after the operation.