Related Experiment Videos
Non-lethal penetrating cardiac injury from a crossbow bolt
K Besler1, M Kleiber, H R Zerkowski
1Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany.
Insights
A rare crossbow injury to the heart, caused by a suicide attempt, highlights the critical role of arrowhead type in thoracic trauma outcomes. Despite a deep myocardial lesion and diagnostic delays, the patient survived this severe chest trauma.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- Thoracic injuries from crossbows are infrequent in modern medicine.
- Arrowhead characteristics significantly influence wound presentation and patient prognosis.
- Understanding rare penetrating cardiac injuries is crucial for emergency response.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old male presented after a suicide attempt involving a self-inflicted sport crossbow injury.
- The crossbow bolt traversed the mediastinum, creating a deep intraseptal myocardial lesion.
- Diagnostic procedures preceded surgical intervention, introducing a delay in treatment.
Findings:
- Despite the severity of the myocardial injury and delayed operation, the patient demonstrated survival.
- The case underscores the potential for survival even with deep cardiac penetration.
- The specific type of arrowhead and its trajectory were critical factors.
Implications:
- This case provides valuable insights into the management of rare, high-energy penetrating cardiac trauma.
- It emphasizes the importance of rapid assessment and intervention in severe thoracic injuries.
- Findings contribute to the literature on survivability of self-inflicted cardiac impalement injuries.
Abstract:
Crossbow injuries to the thorax are nowadays uncommon. The type of arrowhead used determines not only the form of entrance wound but often the outcome of these injuries. We report the case of a 38-year-old man who attempted to commit suicide by firing a bolt from a sport crossbow into his heart. Although the bolt penetrated the mediastinum causing a deep intraseptal myocardial lesion and the pre-operative diagnostic procedure delayed the necessary operation, the patient survived.