Methods: Between August 2001 and October 2016, a total of 19 male patients (mean age 32.7±17.3 years; range, 15 to 73 years) who were admitted to our hospital with a penetrating cardiac injury were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical findings, treatment methods, and treatment outcomes of the patients were recorded.

Results: Among all patients, 16 were admitted for a stab injury and three for a gunshot injury. An emergent surgery was performed in all patients. Cardiac injuries involved the right ventricle in 13 patients, left ventricle in five patients, and right atrium in one patient. No mortality was seen in any of the patients. Revision was needed in two patients due to bleeding, while wound site infection developed in one patient and a ventricular septal defect was detected during follow-up in another patient.

Conclusion: Early transport, effective diagnosis and treatment with emergent surgery, when required, increase the survival of patients with a penetrating cardiac injury.