Impalement injury to the heart

Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ). 2011 Jan-Mar;9(33):80-2. doi: 10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6270.

Abstract

Cardiac impalement injury is rare and one of the most severe penetrating chest injuries, often fatal. The management of penetrating cardiac injuries is a challenging one. The success in management of impaling cardiac trauma requires stabilization of the impaling object, expeditious transfer to a facility for open heart surgery, rapid imaging, access to blood and blood products and a ready surgical team. We report a case of impalement injury to the heart by a stick, transfixing the right ventricle and its successful treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Female
  • Heart Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Injuries / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Thoracic Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Injuries / surgery
  • Wounds, Penetrating / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Penetrating / surgery*