[Diagnosis and treatment of trauma of the heart and major vessels].

31 cases of trauma of the heart and major vessels were treated at our hospital from september 1959 to september 1987. There were 28 men and 3 women. Their age varied from 8 to 45 years. The injuries included cutting (26 cases), bullets (2 cases), and other types (3 cases). 27 of the patients were in shock and 15 had heart tamponade. 30 cases were treated surgically. Simple repair was performed in 27 and removal of foreign body was done in 3 patients. As a result, 29 patients completely recovered and 2 died. The authors emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis of the trauma, immediate operation and the choice of simple and suitable surgery. Rapid tracheal cannula anesthesia should be used and the operation should be performed through left antero-exterior thoracic incision.