Penetrating trauma to the tricuspid valve and ventricular septum: Delayed repair

Abstract

Penetrating cardiac trauma can result in a wide range of injuries to intracardiac structures. Missile injury, in particular, can cause damage in more than one cardiac chamber that may be difficult to identify at initial emergent operation. We report a case of late repair of traumatic ventricular septal defect and tricuspid valve perforation from gunshot wound. This case illustrates the importance of thorough examination of intracardiac anatomy during emergent and delayed repair for penetrating cardiac trauma. (Ann Thorac Surg 1999;67:252-3) (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.