Traumatic tricuspid valve rupture with luxation of the heart

Abstract

Three patients are described with the combination of a luxation of the heart through a pericardial tear and traumatic rupture of the papillary muscle of the tricuspid valve. In only 1 patient was the dislocation of the heart suspected preoperatively. In all 3 patients operative treatment was performed with considerable delay after the accident; nevertheless, all 3 patients survived. In all cases treatment consisted of repositioning of the heart, closure of the pericardium, and valvular repair of the tricuspid valve.