Surgical management of penetrating cardiac injuries using a fibrin glue sheet

Abstract

A penetrating cardiac injury is among the most lethal of all injuries. We present a case of penetrating cardiac injuries to both ventricles. A laceration on the right ventricle was repaired using buttressed sutures, while an injury to the left ventricle was repaired using a collagen mesh dressing covered by fibrin glue (TachoComb patch) without employing cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient recovered uneventfully without a ventricular pseudoaneurysm. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of a TachoComb patch for penetrating cardiac injuries occurring adjacent to the large coronary artery in the posterior wall of the heart.