[Heart wounds]

Abstract

In our study, we aimed to present our cases with heart wounds and to determine the factors influencing mortality. We retrospectively evaluated 23 cases with cardiac injuries who were treated among years 1986-99 in our clinic. There were 4 female and 19 male cases, and the average age was 32 years (range 12-52). Heart wounds were caused by blunt trauma in 6 cases, and penetrating trauma in 17 cases. Penetrating heart wounds was caused by gunshot wounds in four patients and stab wounds in 13 patients. Our cases were underwent to rapid resuscitation and emergency surgery. Mortality rate was 17% with 3 cases. Blunt cardiac wounds was caused by motor vehicle accidents in all cases. Diagnosis with immediate echocardiography and efficient treatment was performed. Mortality rate was 33% with 2 cases. We think that emergent resuscitation and immediately surgical exploration in patients with penetrating heart wounds and immediate diagnosis by echocardiography and prompt treatment in patients with blunt heart injuries may improve overall survival.