Penetrating cardiac injuries: selective conservatism--favorable or foolish?

J Trauma. 1987 Apr;27(4):398-401.

Abstract

In a current review of the literature regarding the management of patients with suspected penetrating cardiac injuries there appears to be no place for conservative management. Nine patients with penetrating cardiac injuries were successfully treated conservatively and are reported. This series aims to emphasize the point that there is a place for conservative management of selected cases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Drainage
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Injuries / classification
  • Heart Injuries / diagnosis
  • Heart Injuries / therapy*
  • Hemopneumothorax / diagnosis
  • Hemopneumothorax / etiology
  • Hemopneumothorax / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumopericardium / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumopericardium / etiology
  • Pneumopericardium / therapy
  • Radiography
  • Wounds, Stab / classification
  • Wounds, Stab / diagnosis
  • Wounds, Stab / therapy*