• J Gao, D Du, B Li, K Zhang, and J Yang.
• Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing 400014, China.
• Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2000 May 1; 38 (5): 358-9.

ObjectiveTo assess the management of penetrating cardiac injuries.Methods56 patients with penetrating wounds of the heart were studied retrospectively. The study lasted for 11 years.ResultsStab wounds accounted for 89.3% of the 56 patients. 56 patients underwent thoracotomy. Preoperative infusion was less than 1,000 ml in 68% of the patients. Preoperative pericardiocentesis was done only in 2 patients, of whom one was false negative. Four patients with cardiac arrest soon after arrival were subjected to emergency thoracotomy; three survived. After the operation, 2 patients died of associated abdominal injuries and failure of cerebral resuscitation. The overall survival rate was 96.4%.ConclusionsEarly diagnosis and prompt thoracotomy are essential to the treatment of penetrating cardiac injuries. Preoperative massive transfusion and pericardiocentesis are not advocated.

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