[Report concerning 20 open wounds of the heart (author's transl)].

It will be reported about 20 open wound of the heart, which were observed between 1964 and October 1980 at the II. Univ. Clinic of Traumatology in Vienna. 17 of them could be operated and 10 could be discharged healed. In 14 cases the cause was a stab, in 5 cases a gun-shot and in one case an explosion. The right and the left ventricle were wounded in equal numbers. Six patients were resuscitated successfully after admission but died after operation. In three cases the reanimation was not successful. Except in one case the anterolateral thoracotomy was chosen for entering. An experienced, well trained team is absolutely necessary to provide such wounds.