Massive chest trauma due to impalement
Robicsek, F.; Daugherty, H.K.; Stansfield, A.V.
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 87(4): 634-636
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5223 PMID: 6708585 Document Number: 239012
It is concluded in cases of thoracic impalement after arrival to the hospital the chances of survival are high because the probability is dominant that organ injury is most probably limited to severe contusion of the lung and that the cardiovascular system is largely spared by the penetrating object. The case histories of two patients surviving massive thoracic impalement are presented. Factors influencing initial survival and principles of surgical management are discussed.