Missile embolization revisited: a rationale for selective management

Embolization of missiles is an unusual presentation of penetrating trauma. Often the management of these injuries may be quite challenging, and selective management continues to be subject to controversy. We report a case of a bullet embolus to the right ventricle from the internal iliac vein in a 15-year-old boy that was managed with observation. An algorithm for diagnosis and management of this phenomenon mandates exploration of emboli to the aorta and peripheral arteries with repair of the vascular entry site and embolectomy. It also recommends operative intervention for symptomatic venous emboli to the heart and pulmonary circulation. Nonoperative management may be considered in patients with asymptomatic emboli to the right heart or the cerebral and pulmonary circulation.