Penetrating cardiac injuries: clinical classification and management strategy.
The management of penetrating cardiac injury is controversial. To facilitate decision making, a simple clinical classification of patients with such an injury is proposed. Five categories are considered: (1) lifeless, (2) critically unstable, (3) cardiac tamponade, (4) thoracoabdominal injury and (5) benign presentation. Investigation, if indicated, and the timing and setting of surgical intervention are discussed for each category.
Saadia
R
R
Department of Surgery, Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Levy
R D
RD
Degiannis
E
E
Velmahos
G C
GC
D004630:Emergencies; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy