Penetrating Cardiac Injuries

How to get the best possible outcome?

Denis Allard, GF Jooste hospital Manenberg, January 10, 2009

82% survival in 35 consecutive stab heart patients was achieved in a South African metropolitan community hospital during the year 2008. Excellent and expediant prehospital management, skilled emergency room personnel and available surgical skill is necessary to achieve these results. The survival rate depends on the number of patients analyzed. The last 160 patients have a 70% survival rate, the last 35 patients have an 82% survival rate. Every surgical team can achieve good results under appropriate leadership.