Evaluation and Anesthetic Management for Patients With Cardiac Trauma

Cardiac trauma, either blunt or penetrating, is a life-threatening condition often requiring immediate intervention. Cardiac trauma causes varied hemodynamic effects, from stable arrhythmia to cardiovascular collapse. The diagnosis of cardiac trauma relies on a high level of clinical suspicion paired with imaging, including transthoracic echocardiography. Anesthetic management for cardiac trauma focuses primarily on maintenance of preload and cardiac function while optimizing operating conditions for surgical repair. Depending on the injuries involved, support that includes inotropes, vasopressors, and potentially mechanical support may be required. This chapter discusses the pathophysiology and presentation of cardiac trauma and explores the intricate anesthetic management of these complex patients.