Outcomes after emergency department thoracotomy for penetrating cardiac injuries: a new perspective

Abstract

Previous reports have described penetrating cardiac injuries as the anatomic injury with the greatest opportunity for emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) survival. We hypothesize that actual survival rates are lower than that initially reported. A retrospective review of our EDT experience was performed. Data collected included injury mechanism and location, presence of measurable ED vital signs, initial ED cardiac rhythm, GCS, method of transportation, and survival. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of survival. Ninety-four of 237 patients presented penetrating cardiac injuries after EDT. Eighty-nine patients (95%) were males. Measurable ED vital signs were present in 15 patients (16%). Cardiac injuries were caused by GSW in 82 patients (87%) and SW in 12 patients (13%). Fifteen patients (16%) survived EDT and were taken to the operating room, while eight patients (8%) survived their entire hospitalization. All survivors were neurologically intact. Survival rates were 5% for GSW and 33% for SW. Mechanism of injury (SW), prehospital transportation by police, higher GCS, sinus tachycardia, and measurable ED vital signs were associated with improved survival. In urban trauma centers where firearm injuries are much more common than stabbings, the presence of a penetrating cardiac injury may no longer be considered a predictor of survival after EDT.