Recently, Dalton records a remarkable case of stab-wound of the pericardium with division of the intercostal artery, upon which he operated.

An incision eight inches long was made over the 4th rib, six inches of the rib were resected, the bleeding intercostal artery was ligated, the blood was turned out of the pericardial cavity, this cavity being irrigated with hot water.

The wound in the pericardium, which was two inches long, was sutured and the external wound was closed.

Recovery followed.
Harris gives an instance of a man who was injured by a bar of iron falling on his shoulder, producing a compound fracture of the ribs as low as the 7th, and laying the heart and lungs bare without seriously injuring the pericardium.
Rupture of the heart from contusion of the chest is not always instantly fatal.

According to Ashhurst, Gamgee has collected 28 cases of rupture of this viscus, including one observed by himself.