title: Changing concepts in the treatment of penetrating cardiac injuries.
abstract: Thirty consecutive patients with penetrating wounds to the heart underwent surgery at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital. Classical signs of tamponade usually were not present. A precordial wound, positive pericardiocentesis, and shock were the most common indications of cardiac injury. Immediate operation is recommended for all penetrating injuries; pericardiocentesis is employed only for a diagnostic tool and for emergency relief of tamponade.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010496:Pericardium; D011677:Punctures; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000175:diagnosis; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating