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 language | English |
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Article number | 100649 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-6 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Trauma Case Reports |
Volume | 39 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 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