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Metal splinter ejected by circular saw into the left ventricle
Petr Santavy1, Martin Troubil2, Vladimir Lonsky2
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Palacky University Teaching Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic petr.santavy@fnol.cz.
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|August 18, 2014
Summary
A metal splinter from a circular saw lodged in a man's heart ventricle. Surgeons successfully removed the foreign object during an operation, resolving the cardiac injury.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Trauma Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Workplace accidents can lead to severe internal injuries.
- Penetrating cardiac trauma requires prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old man presented with weakness after a work-related accident.
- A small wound near the sternum concealed a serious injury.
- CT scan revealed a metal splinter within the left ventricle of the heart.
Findings:
- A metal splinter, ejected from a wooden board by a circular saw, penetrated the left ventricle.
- Surgical intervention was necessary for the removal of the cardiac foreign body.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for high-velocity projectiles in occupational settings to cause cardiac injury.
- Early diagnosis via advanced imaging (CT) is crucial for managing penetrating cardiac trauma.
- Surgical removal of intracardiac foreign bodies can be life-saving.