Selective use of pericardial window and drainage as sole treatment for hemopericardium from penetrating chest trauma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Penetrating cardiac injuries (PCIs) are highly lethal, and a sternotomy is considered mandatory for suspected PCI. Recent literature suggests pericardial window (PCW) may be sufficient for superficial cardiac injuries to drain hemopericardium and assess for continued bleeding and instability. This study objective is to review patients with PCI managed with sternotomy and PCW and compare outcomes.

Methods

All patients with penetrating chest trauma from 2000 to 2016 requiring PCW or sternotomy were reviewed. Data were collected for patients who had PCW for hemopericardium managed with only pericardial drain, or underwent sternotomy for cardiac injuries grade 1-3 according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Cardiac Organ Injury Scale (OIS).

SUBMITTER: Chestovich PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6135421 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature