The injured heart.
Penetrating and blunt injuries to the heart, ranging from cardiac concussion to rupture, are seen more and more frequently. Prompt diagnosis because of a high index of suspicion and timely, well-executed resuscitative efforts are rewarded by remarkable survival rates, even in the patients presenting in extremis, whereas hesitancy in diagnosis and therapeutic action militates against a successful result.
Ivatury
R R
RR
Department of Surgery, New York Medical College, Bronx.
Rohman
M
M
D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000266:history / Q000601:surgery; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000601:surgery*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000601:surgery*