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Published on: June 18, 2020
Trans-jugular extraction of bullet embolus to the heart
P J O'Neill1, D R Feldman, I Vujic
1Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
Insights
Bullet emboli to the heart are rare. This case report describes a minimally invasive, percutaneous retrieval of a bullet from the right atrium, avoiding open-heart surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Bullet emboli to the heart are infrequent occurrences.
- Standard treatment involves open-chest surgery (median sternotomy) and cardiotomy for extraction.
- Minimally invasive techniques for such cases are highly desirable.
Abstract:
Bullet emboli to the heart are rare and are typically treated by operative extraction through a median sternotomy and cardiotomy. This report details the case of an 18-year-old male who sustained two gunshot wounds, one of which lodged in his left renal vein. At laparotomy, the bullet embolized to the right atrium via the inferior vena cava. Under fluoroscopic guidance the bullet was retrieved with a snare introduced percutaneously through the right internal jugular vein. Sternotomy and possible cardiopulmonary bypass were avoided.
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