Cardiac Pneumatic Nail Gun Injury

Authors

Jason P. Straus, Wright State University
Randy J. Woods, Wright State UniversityFollow
Mary C. McCarthy, Wright State UniversityFollow
Mark P. Anstadt, Wright State UniversityFollow
Nancy Kwon

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2006

Abstract

Pneumatic nail guns deliver discrete, low-velocity penetrating trauma causing limited injury.¹ Kinetic energy is centered on the nail’s advancing tip, and therefore such injuries are similar to stab wounds. This is reflected in the 11% mortality rate after accidental discharges. Mortality rates might, however, exceed 40% when these injuries are self-inflicted.^{1 and 2} In the case presented the patient attempted suicide, shooting himself 17 times in the chest with a pneumatic nail gun. The optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approach to this unusual injury is described.

Repository Citation

Straus, J. P., Woods, R. J., McCarthy, M. C., Anstadt, M. P., & Kwon, N. (2006). Cardiac Pneumatic Nail Gun Injury. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 132 (3), 702-703.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/surg/123

DOI

10.1016/j.jtcvs.2006.04.030