title: Successful management of cardiac impalement: the result of an integrated EMS-trauma system.
abstract: A case of cardiac impalement is presented and the general principles of torso impalement discussed. Leaving the impaling object in situ is desirable but when this requires substantial time, the patient's clinical status and the difficulties of resuscitation due to the object may necessitate prompt removal. Emergency department assessment and resuscitation should be brief and preoperative studies minimal.
mesh_terms: D004630:Emergencies; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*