Right ventricular bullet embolectomy without cardiopulmonary bypass
Graham, J.M.; Mattox, K.L.
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 82(2): 310-313
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5223 PMID: 7019584 Document Number: 172160
Victims of gunshot wounds may be noted to have bullets overlying the cardiac silhouette on roentgenogram. Direct cardiac penetration, bullet embolus to the heart, and missile proximity to the heart are all possibilities which must be differentiated. An unusual case of bullet embolism is presented in which thoracotomy was initially performed to rule out direct cardiac penetration. At the time of exploration, an intracardiac bullet embolus was fortuitously palpated and trapped within the apex of the right ventricle. Right ventriculotomy and embolectomy without cardiopulmonary bypass were performed to prevent retrograde or distal migration.