Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy Approach for Retained Bullet in the Heart

Carlos Muñoz, MD; Jairo Gonzalez, MD

Product Details
Product ID: ACS-5945
Year Produced: 2019
Length: 7 min.


A 19-year-old male patient arrived to the E.R. due to lumbar and thigh gunshots. Conscious, stable and without respiratory distress. Physical examination, despite gunshot injuries, is normal. BP: 125/80 mmHg HR: 89 per min BR: 19 per min FAST was not performed Gunshot Injuries (0,5cm all of them): - Lumbar region at level of L1 (A) - Lumbar region at level of L2 (B) - Medial face of the right thigh (C) - Medial face of the left thigh (D) - Lateral face of the left thigh (E) Anterio-posterior and lateral Chest X-ray showed bullet in the mediastinum We decided to take a Chest CT scan. It showed a metalic object in contact with the left atrium. Structural injuries of the heart were dismissed by transesophageal echocardiography, but it showed a free hyperrefrigent object in right ventricle Wall. We decided to performe a video-assisted thoracoscopy. We observed hemopericardiuam, and perfomed a pericardiotomy. 450cc of blood were drained. During the procedure the 38mm bullet was found and removed. We found a diaphragm injury, it was repaired with separated stitches. Finally, we placed a chest tube. The procedure was well tolerated, so the patients was extubated 24 hours after. Because of the surgeon decision, he was observed during seven day, after that, he was discharged with no complications.