The use of the Foley catheter in the emergency room treatment of penetrating cardiac injuries.

The invaluable use of a Foley catheter is well known to cardiac surgeons, having been originally advocated in dealing with an atrial tear at valvotomy. Its use is reported in a case in the emergency room, where it acted as a simple, rapid and highly efficient means of providing immediate control of a penetrating cardiac injury, and for maintaining control while the patient was transferred to the main operating theatre. Its use in such circumstances is recommended.