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

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.

Co

SUBMITTER: Eranki A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9108761 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature