Intrapericardial trauma: surgical experience

From 1975 to 1987, 19 patients (pts) were operated on for a traumatic lesion of the heart or of the ascending aorta. There were 15 males and four females with a mean age of 42 years. Twelve lesions (Group I) were penetrating and seven (Group II) blunt. Group I: Nine patients were in shock upon admission, including six with cardiac tamponade. Six pts were stabbed, three sustained a gunshot wound, and two were accidental victims of a pneumatic gun. In the last pt, with previous lung surgery and mediastinal shift, a chest tube lacerated the right ventricle; this pt died in the operating room (OR), for a mortality rate of 8.3% (1/12). Associated intrathoracic and intra-abdominal lesions were present, but did not influence the outcome. Group II: All pts were involved in motor vehicle accidents. Five pts were in shock, including two with cardiac tamponade. Three pts required extracorporeal circulation (ECC) for aortic valve replacement, tricuspid valve reconstruction, and replacement of the ascending aorta. In one case, a lacerated right ventricle could be repaired without ECC, but the pt died from low cardiac output. Three pts with a ruptured left ventricle were managed in the OR, and two pts exsanguinated for a mortality rate of 43% (3/7). Associated lesions were present and death was related to ventricular rupture. Intrapericardial lesions are relatively rare in our Canadian experience. High survival can be obtained in penetrating injuries, while blunt injuries are more complex and remain highly lethal. ECC should be available for definitive treatment.