The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jun 1978
Case ReportsMassive impalement wound of the chest. A case report.
A 29-year-old man sustained an impalement wound of the right side of the chest with a 6 foot long, 4 by 4 inch wooden post during a high-speed automobile accident. The post entered the right side of the chest anteriorly and exited posteriorly. ⋯ Removal of the post, treatment of pulmonary parenchymal damage, and reconstruction of the two large chest wall defects presented problems in management. Rapid transport of the patient to the hospital, effective emergency treatment, surgical repair of the chest injury, and appropriate supportive measures contributed to his survival.