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Survival following nonpenetrating traumatic rupture of cardiac chambers

B J Leavitt1, J A Meyer, J R Morton

  • 1Department of Surgery, Maine Medical Center, Portland.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|November 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Survivors of blunt trauma-induced cardiac rupture, often from car accidents, can be saved. Prompt diagnosis and emergency surgery, including pericardiocentesis and thoracotomy, are crucial for survival.

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Blunt external trauma can cause life-threatening cardiac chamber rupture.
  • Motor vehicle collisions are a common cause of such traumatic injuries.
  • Pericardial tamponade is a frequent complication requiring immediate intervention.

Observation:

  • Three patients with cardiac rupture from blunt trauma survived.
  • All patients were drivers involved in motor vehicle collisions.
  • Initial treatment involved pericardiocentesis followed by emergency thoracotomy.

Findings:

  • Surgical repair of cardiac ruptures (right atrium, right and left ventricles) was achieved using manual suture techniques.
  • Cardiopulmonary bypass was not required for the successful repair.
  • Review of 37 prior cases indicates survivability with prompt intervention.

Implications:

  • Prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment are critical for saving patients with cardiac rupture.
  • Emergency thoracotomy and manual suture repair are effective strategies.
  • Improved outcomes are possible for patients with traumatic cardiac rupture who reach medical facilities alive.

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