Penetrating Cardiac Injury: A 20-Year Retrospective Analysis at a High-Complexity University Center.

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

• Penetrating cardiac injury (PCI) presents a significant challenge in emergency medicine due to high mortality.
• A previous study in 2005 analyzed PCI cases from 1990-2003.
• This study provides an updated analysis of PCI over the subsequent two decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends and outcomes of penetrating cardiac injuries over a 20-year period.
• To identify key factors influencing survival in patients with PCI.
• To inform improvements in emergency care protocols for cardiac trauma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records and trauma registry data.
• Inclusion of patients treated for penetrating cardiac trauma.
• Exclusion of patients who were deceased upon arrival to the facility.

Main Results:

• A total of 1,093 cases were reviewed, with 25 identified as penetrating cardiac injuries.
• The overall mortality rate for PCI was 36%.
• Hemorrhage was the leading cause of mortality; higher systolic blood pressure and level of consciousness correlated with improved survival.

Conclusions:

• Rapid intervention is crucial for improving outcomes in PCI.
• Effective management of hemorrhage and hemodynamic support are paramount.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and enhanced emergency care are vital for reducing PCI mortality.