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Abstract
A new type of missile causing injury to the heart, a flechette from a beehive type
of round, is described.
The injury is unique because: (1) Myocardial wounds are usually small, resulting in
symptoms of cardiac tamponade and not exsanguinating hemorrhage. (2) Flechettes are
long dart-shaped objects which, regardless of initial management, should ultimately
be removed from the vinicity of the heart and great vessels. (3) The wound of entry
of a flechette may be so small that it may pass virtually unnoticed unless the initial
inspection of the patient is meticulous and the index of suspicion is high.
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
May 12,
1970
Footnotes
☆The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of the Surgeon General, the Department of the Army, or the Department of Defense.
Identification
Copyright
© 1971 Published by Elsevier Inc.
