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Technique of Porcine Liver Procurement and Orthotopic Transplantation using an Active Porto-Caval Shunt
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A rare, combined cardiac and hepatic crossbow injury

Alexander Weymann1, Christian Sebening

  • 1Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany.

Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery : Official Journal of the Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons of Asia
|February 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A man survived a severe chest injury from a double-barreled crossbow suicide attempt. Lodged arrows tamponaded wounds, preventing fatal blood loss, and surgical repair was successful.

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

  • A 32-year-old male presented after a suicide attempt.
  • The patient self-inflicted a severe chest injury using a crossbow.

Observation:

  • Two arrows were simultaneously discharged at close range into the patient's chest.
  • The patient sustained life-threatening injuries but remained hemodynamically stable.
  • Lodged arrows acted as internal tamponades, mitigating massive hemorrhage.

Findings:

  • Surgical exploration and removal of both arrows were performed under direct visualization.
  • The patient required sutures for cardiac and hepatic injuries.
  • The postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no immediate complications.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for survival in severe penetrating chest trauma.
  • The tamponade effect of retained foreign bodies can be life-saving in certain critical scenarios.
  • Prompt surgical intervention and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in high-energy trauma.

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