Background: The leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population is unintentional injury. Emergent thoracotomies are rarely performed in pediatric patients, especially in the very young pediatric population. We present a case of a 10-year-old male who survived emergent clamshell thoracotomy for penetrating chest trauma.
Summary: Our patient sustained aortic lacerations after being shot with an air-powered rifle. Thoracotomy was performed in the emergency department. The incision was extended to a clamshell thoracotomy for repair of the aortic lacerations. He survived and made a full recovery.
Conclusion: This case is one of the youngest reported survivors of an emergent thoracotomy. Air-powered gun injuries can be life-threatening despite their perception as safe toys for children. Surprisingly, there is very little regulation on sale of air guns to minors in the United States. Increased public awareness and regulation of sale may prevent unintentional injury in this population.
Keywords: aortic laceration; general surgery; pediatric thoracotomy; thoracic surgery; trauma.