Single center experience in surgical treatment of traumatic acute pericardial tamponade: a consecutive series of 12 cases

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and summarize the experiences in surgical treatment of acute pericardial tamponade. METHODS: The clinical data of 12 consecutive patients with acute pericardial tamponade caused by various types of trauma were retrospectively collected and reviewed. RESULTS: There were 9 (75%) males and 3(25%) females. The average age was 45.0 years (range, 29 to 72 years). 9 cases of this cohort were diagnosed by CT. However, 2 cases of acute pericardial tamponade caused by iatrogenic injury were confirmed by angiography and transesophageal echocardiography. 1 case was diagnosed by ultrasonocardiograph, and 1 case by UCG combined with CT scan. Surgical pericardiotomy was performed via different incisions. All 12 patients were discharged without complications. CONCLUSION: Acute pericardial tamponade has different etiologies and complex conditions, and is a catastrophic condition that can be fatal. However, rapid diagnosis, maintenance of vital signs and surgical pericardiotomy are lifesaving methods to treat acute pericardial tamponade patients.