Chennai, 19th November 2014: Ganesan a 23 year’s old generally fit contract labourer, native of Salem met with an accident at a construction site and became unconscious. After first aid and due care, he was presented with critical heart injury. Investigations revealed an acute heart rupture and Temponade (compression of heart due to blood in the pericardial sac). Patient required an emergency open heart surgery to solve the acute rupture.

Open Heart Surgery: The Patient underwent an emergency surgery on 5th Nov. During the surgery around 2 litres of blood accumulated on the pericardial cavity was identified and his heart function was compromised due to severe cardiac Tamponade (compression of heart due to blood in the pericardial sac). As soon as surgeons opened the pericardium they sucked the blood with special blood recycle machine (Cell saver) and transfused the same to the patient again. After relieving the cardiac rupture measuring 3 cm at the left atrial and left pulmonary vein junction was repaired, and the patient survived the injury.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Govini Balasubramani, Consultant – Cardio Thoracic surgeon, said

“It is a difficult task to save a patient with acute cardiac rupture due to Chest wall Injury. Distension (swelling) of the neck vein, CT scan Chest and echocardiograms suggested cardiac tamponade (compression of heart due to blood in the pericardial sac), due to cardiac rupture. In patients surviving the initial insult, the overall mortality rate is 60%-90%. He was presented with a hypotension (low blood pressure), distension of neck veins, intact pericardium and cardiac tamponade. The diagnosis confirmed with emergent CT chest and echocardiography prior to operative intervention. Repair performed by median sternotomy (a kind of surgical procedure) and the potential necessity for cardiopulmonary bypass. We conclude rapid prehospital transportation, a high index of suspicion, and prompt surgical intervention contribute to survival in these patients. On this occasion I would like to thank my team of doctors, nurses and perfusionist and administrators who had helped in saving the patient’s life.”