Background: Cardiac wounds remain as highly lethal lesions in which their prognosis depends on the emergency management.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyse experiences of cardiac surgeons in different hospitals in Brussels and compare it with the findings in the literature.
Methods: From 1st January 1990 till 1st December 2010, all penetrating cardiac wounds in three Brussels hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Data recorded included clinical parameters, surgical constatation and outcome.
Results: A total of fourteen (12 male/2 female) patients sustained penetrating cardiac injuries. There were thirteen patients (93%) with stabs wounds and, one patient (7%) with gunshot wound. Wound locations are as follows: ten patients (71%) right ventricle, three patients (22%) the pericardium, and one patient (7%) the left ventricle. The hemodynamic status was unstable in nine patients (64%), in-extremis in two patients (14%) and stable in three patients (22%). The mean Abbreviate Injury Score was 4.6 and the mean New Injury Severity Score was 31. Thirteen patients (93%) had operations (11 sternotomie, 2 thoracotomies). Two patients required cardiopulmonary bypass. Three patients (22%) died.
Conclusion: Penetrating cardiac wounds are relatively rare in Belgium, which is mainly due to stabs and with consequent mortality. The implementation of clear guidelines is necessary to improve survival.