Penetrating cardiac trauma caused by a nail-gun: a case report and narrative review

A. Eranki*, A. Wilson-Smith, C. Villanueva, P. Seah

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Introduction: Penetrating cardiac injuries are emergencies that require prompt surgical management. Most of these injuries are caused by gunshots or stab wounds however the incidence of nail-gun injuries is rising due to their availability and widespread use. Cardiac injuries caused by nail-guns are often self-inflicted. These injuries almost always require operative management with a sternotomy or thoracotomy. Case report: This case report describes a 47-year-old male with two self-inflicted nail-gun wounds to the chest. He presented in a stable condition and subsequently underwent an emergency sternotomy to repair a penetrating cardiac injury. We highlight our diagnostic and operative approach to this injury and present a contemporary narrative review of similar cases. Conclusion: Almost all cases of penetrating trauma caused by nail-gun injuries require urgent surgery. Some cases require the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. In this case, the use of the Medtronic® urchin apical suction device, usually reserved for off pump cardiac surgery, facilitated exposure and repair of the lateral wall of the left ventricle.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100649
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalTrauma Case Reports
Volume39
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2022

Bibliographical note

Crown Copyright 2022. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • Nailgun
  • Penetrating cardiac injury
  • Trauma

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