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Published on: September 9, 2020
Transfixing gunshot wound to the heart: case report
Carlos Junior Toshiyuki Karigyo1, Otávio Goulart Fan, Ricardo José Rodrigues
1Evangelical Hospital of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil. carlitos1109@hotmail.com
Summary
Gunshot heart wounds are increasingly common and deadly. This case demonstrates a successful surgical repair of a transfixing gunshot wound to the heart, offering hope for survival in severe penetrating cardiac trauma.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Penetrating cardiac trauma, often from stabbings, has high mortality.
- Urban violence increases gunshot heart wounds, which are more lethal.
- Multiple heart chamber involvement in gunshot wounds elevates mortality further.
Observation:
- A patient sustained a transfixing gunshot wound to the heart during an attempted armed robbery.
- The patient was successfully operated on at our institution.
Findings:
- Successful surgical intervention for a transfixing gunshot wound to the heart is possible.
- This case highlights the potential for positive outcomes even in high-mortality scenarios.
Implications:
- Advances in trauma care can improve survival rates for severe penetrating cardiac injuries.
- This case may inform treatment protocols for gunshot wounds to the heart.
- Further research into managing complex cardiac gunshot wounds is warranted.
