title: Penetrating cardiac injuries: clinical classification and management strategy.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Surgery, Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Saadia
authors: R D
authors: RD
authors: Levy
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Degiannis
authors: G C
authors: GC
authors: Velmahos
mesh_terms: D004630:Emergencies; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy