The most important factor that influences the outcome of penetrating cardiac injuries is:
Multiple studies in the literature confirm that injuries to the coronary arteries are the most important factor in determining outcome after a penetrating cardiac injury. Tangential injuries are the least serious. Injury to a single chamber—even if comminuted—or to multiple chambers is less likely to be fatal than are injuries that involve a major coronary artery.
Comminuted tear of a single chamber.
Multiple-chamber injuries
Coronary artery injury.
Tangential injuries.