A Stitch in Time - Emergency Repair of post-ROSC patient with Acute Traumatic Cardiac Tamponade following Penetrating Chest Trauma

A 22-year-old male was brought to the ER with multiple chest stab wounds. The patient arrived in Grade-III shock. He collapsed shortly after arriving and needed CPR and was recovered. Blood transfusions were beginning immediately and bilateral chest tubes were passed. Despite these efforts, he had another cardiac arrest and was revived with another CPR. An eFAST scan, ECG and portable X-Ray confirmed severe Cardiac tamponade with bilateral Hemothorax. A 20 cc pericardiocentesis was performed and dobutamine infusion was started. He was rushed to OT where emergency evacuation of tamponade along with repair of injuries was performed. He was subsequently shifted to ICU where he received post-operative care and was discharged on tenth post-operative day.