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Impalement injury to the heart

S Pradhan1, R Sapkota, U K Shrestha

  • 1Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Man Mohan Center for Cardio-Thoracic, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Medicine, P.O.Box 3578, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Kathmandu University Medical Journal (KUMJ)
|May 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac impalement is a rare, severe chest injury. Successful management involves stabilizing the object, rapid transfer, imaging, blood products, and a surgical team for open heart surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Penetrating cardiac injuries, particularly impalement trauma, represent a rare yet critical medical emergency.
  • Effective management hinges on a coordinated approach involving immediate stabilization and swift surgical intervention.

Observation:

  • A case involving a stick impaling the right ventricle is presented.
  • The object transfixed the cardiac structure, posing a significant threat to life.

Findings:

  • Successful treatment was achieved through prompt intervention.
  • Key elements included object stabilization, rapid transport, advanced imaging, blood product availability, and immediate surgical team readiness.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the critical importance of a multidisciplinary trauma response for cardiac impalement injuries.
  • It underscores the potential for successful outcomes even in severe penetrating cardiac trauma with appropriate resources and expertise.

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