Successful Management of Heart Rupture from Blunt Trauma

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Abstract
Seven patients with cardiac rupture from blunt trauma were studied. Of the 7 patients, 5 survived, including 3 with left atrial injuries and 1 each with right ventricular and left ventricular injuries. Useful diagnostic features included systolic hypotension, distended neck veins and elevated central venous pressures. Associated injuries averaged 4 per patient. Successful management demands a high index of suspicion of cardiac injury, prompt diagnosis and immediate median sternotomy. After repair of the heart the incision should usually be extended to allow exploratory laparotomy.

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