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Endovascular Approach for Management of Bullet Embolization to the Heart
Alireza Mojtahedi1, Sohail Contractor1, Piotr S Kisza1
11 Department of Radiology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School Newark, NJ, USA.
Insights
Bullet embolization to the heart is rare in penetrating trauma. This case highlights successful endovascular treatment for a right ventricle bullet embolus in a hemodynamically stable patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Bullet embolization to the heart is an infrequent complication of penetrating trauma.
- Management strategies vary based on hemodynamic stability, with operative intervention for unstable patients.
Observation:
- A hemodynamically stable patient presented with a bullet embolus to the right ventricle.
- Diagnostic imaging included computed tomography angiogram, echocardiogram, and angiography to guide treatment.
Findings:
- The case successfully demonstrates endovascular treatment for a right ventricle bullet embolus.
- Endovascular approaches are infrequently used but viable for select patients.
Implications:
- This case expands treatment options for bullet emboli in the heart.
- Highlights the technical considerations for successful endovascular management of cardiac bullet emboli.
Abstract:
Bullet embolization to the right heart through the vasculature is seen infrequently in cases presenting with penetrating trauma. Patients with unstable hemodynamic status are managed operatively. For a patient with stable hemodynamic parameters, diagnostic evaluation such as computed tomography angiogram, echocardiogram, or angiography could be performed to select the best treatment option. Endovascular treatment is employed infrequently in these cases but can be a viable option for select patients. We present a case of a bullet embolus to the right ventricle treated successfully with endovascular approach and discuss the technical aspects of this approach.
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