Development of a post-mortem human specimen flow model for advanced bleeding control training

INTRODUCTION

Prompt and effective hemorrhage control is paramount to improve survival in patients with catastrophic bleeding. In the ever-expanding field of bleeding control techniques, there is a need for a realistic training model to practice these life-saving skills. This study aimed to create a realistic perfused post-mortem human specimen (PMHS) flow model that is suitable for training various bleeding control techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This laboratory study was conducted in the SkillsLab & Simulation Center of Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands. One fresh frozen and five AnubiFiX® embalmed PMHS were used for the development of the model. Subsequent improvements in the exact preparation and design of the flow model were made based on model performance and challenges that occurred during this study and are described.

RESULTS

Circulating arteriovenous flow with hypertonic saline was established throughout the entire body via inflow and outflow cannulas in the carotid artery and jugular vein of embalmed PMHS. We observed full circulation and major hemorrhage could be mimicked. Effective bleeding control was achieved by placing a resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) catheter in the model. Regional perfusion significantly reduced the development of tissue edema.

CONCLUSION

Our perfused PMHS model with circulating arterial and venous flow appears to be a feasible method for the training of multiple bleeding control techniques. Regional arteriovenous flow successfully reduces tissue edema and increases the durability of the model. Further research should focus on reducing edema and enhancing the durability of the model.

Systematic review to evaluate algorithms for REBOA use in trauma and identify a consensus for patient selection

Background

Patient selection for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has evolved during the last decade. A recent multicenter collaboration to implement the newest generation REBOA balloon catheter identified variability in patient selection criteria. The aims of this systematic review were to compare recent REBOA patient selection guidelines and to identify current areas of consensus and variability.

Methods

In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for REBOA patient selection in trauma. Published algorithms from 2015 to 2022 and institutional guidelines from a seven-center REBOA collaboration were compiled and synthesized.

Results

Ten published algorithms and seven institutional guidelines on REBOA patient selection were included. Broad consensus exists on REBOA deployment for blunt and penetrating trauma patients with non-compressible torso hemorrhage refractory to blood product resuscitation. Algorithms diverge on precise systolic blood pressure triggers for early common femoral artery access and REBOA deployment, as well as the use of REBOA for traumatic arrest and chest or extremity hemorrhage control.

Conclusion

Although our convenience sample of institutional guidelines likely underestimates patient selection variability, broad consensus exists in the published literature regarding REBOA deployment for blunt and penetrating trauma patients with hypotension not responsive to resuscitation. Several areas of patient selection variability reflect individual practice environments.

Level of evidence

Level 5, systematic review.

Partial Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta: A Systematic Review of the Preclinical and Clinical Literature

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has become a standard adjunct for the management of life-threatening truncal hemorrhage, but the technique is limited by the sequalae of ischemia distal to occlusion. Partial REBOA addresses this limitation, and the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of a device designed to enable partial REBOA will broaden its application. We conducted a systematic review of the available animal and clinical literature on the methods, impacts, and outcomes associated with partial REBOA as a technique to enable targeted proximal perfusion and limit distal ischemic injury. We hypothesize that a systematic review of the published animal and human literature on partial REBOA will provide actionable insight for the use of partial REBOA in the context of future wider clinical implementation of this technique.

METHODS

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols guidelines, we conducted a search of the available literature which used partial inflation of a REBOA balloon catheter. Findings from 22 large animal studies and 14 clinical studies met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Animal and clinical results support the benefits of partial REBOA including extending the resuscitative window extended safe occlusion time, improved survival, reduced proximal hypertension, and reduced resuscitation requirements. Clinical studies provide practical physiologic targets for partial REBOA including a period of total occlusion followed by gradual balloon deflation to achieve a target proximal pressure and/or target distal pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial REBOA has several benefits which have been observed in animal and clinical studies, most notably reduced ischemic insult to tissues distal to occlusion and improved outcomes compared with total occlusion. Practical clinical protocols are available for the implementation of partial REBOA in cases of life-threatening torso hemorrhage.

Prospective Observational Evaluation of the ER-REBOA Catheter at 6 U.S. Trauma Centers

OBJECTIVE

To describe the current use of the ER-REBOA catheter and associated outcomes and complications.

INTRODUCTION

Noncompressible truncal hemorrhage is the leading cause of potentially preventable death in trauma patients. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a novel strategy to obtain earlier temporary hemorrhage control, supporting cardiac, and cerebral perfusion before definitive hemostasis.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study conducted at 6 Level 1 Trauma Centers over 12-months. Inclusion criteria were age >15 years of age with evidence of truncal hemorrhage below the diaphragm and decision for emergent hemorrhage control intervention within 60 minutes of arrival. REBOA details, demographics, mechanism of injury, complications, and outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 8166 patients were screened for enrollment. In 75, REBOA was utilized for temporary hemorrhage control. Blunt injury occurred in 80% with a median injury severity score (ISS) 34 (21, 43). Forty-seven REBOAs were placed in Zone 1 and 28 in Zone 3. REBOA inflation increased systolic blood pressure from 67 (40, 83) mm Hg to 108 (90, 128) mm Hg 5 minutes after inflation (P = 0.02). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was ongoing during REBOA insertion in 17 patients (26.6%) and 10 patients (58.8%) had return of spontaneous circulation after REBOA inflation. The procedural complication rate was 6.6%. Overall mortality was 52%.

CONCLUSION

REBOA can be used in blunt and penetrating trauma patients, including those in arrest. Balloon inflation uniformly improved hemodynamics and was associated with a 59% rate of return of spontaneous circulation for patients in arrest. Use of the ER-REBOA catheter is technically safe with a low procedural complication rate.

A contemporary assessment of devices for Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA): resource-specific options per level of care

PURPOSE

Use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) as adjunct for temporary hemorrhage control in patients with exsanguinating torso hemorrhage is increasing. Characteristics of aortic occlusion balloons (AOB) are diverse and evolving as efforts are made to improve the technology. It is important to select a device that fits the requirements of the medical situation to minimize the risk of failure and complications. The aim of this study is to appraise guidance in the choice of an AOB in a specific situation.

METHODS

We assessed 29 AOB for differences and outline possible advantages and disadvantages of each. Bending stiffness was measured with a three-point bending device.

RESULTS

Diameter of the AOB ranged from 6 (ER-REBOA™) to 10 (Coda^®-46) French. However, some need large-bore access sheaths up to 22 French (Fogarty^®-45 and LeMaitre^®-45) or even insertion via cut-down (Equalizer™-40). Bending stiffness varied from 0.08 N/mm (± 0.008 SD; Coda^®-32) to 0.72 N/mm (± 0.024 SD; Russian prototype). Rescue Balloon™ showed kinking of the shaft at low bending pressures. The only non-compliant AOB is REBOA Balloon^®. ER-REBOA™, Fogarty^®, LeMaitre^®, REBOA Balloon^®, and Rescue Balloon™ are provided with external length marks to assist blind positioning.

CONCLUSION

In resource-limited settings, a guidewire- and fluoroscopy-free, rather stiff device, such as ER-REBOA™, Fogarty^®, and LeMaitre^®, is warranted. Of these devices, ER-REBOA™ is the only catheter compatible with seven French sheaths and specifically designed for emergency hemorrhage control. Of the over-the-wire devices, Q50^® has several features that facilitate use and reduce the risk of malplacement or vessel damage.

First Russian experience with endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in a zone of combat operations

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta has increasingly been used all the world over for arresting ongoing intraabdominal and intrapelvic bleeding accompanied by unstable haemodynamics. However, the use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in a zone of military operations has been limited to sporadic cases only. This article deals with 3 clinical case reports regarding rendering medical care for the wounded presenting with extremely unstable haemodynamics and/or a terminal state in a field hospital, where insertion of a balloon into the aorta made it possible to stabilize the condition, to perform the basic scope of diagnosis, and to finally control the continuing bleeding: in one case - intraabdominal (due to splenic rupture) and in 2 cases - intrapelvic (unstable fractures of pelvic bones). In two cases, despite low readings of blood pressure, puncture of the femoral artery was performed 'blindly' and in one case - in an open fashion. The balloons used were the 7 Fr Rescue Balloon (Japan) and 10 Fr balloons manufactured by the Limited Liability Company 'Minimally Invasive Technologies' (Russia). The balloons were positioned in the aorta also 'blindly' and only in one case we managed to perform an X-ray examination confirming the correct position of the balloon. The mean time of occlusion of the thoracic aorta in the survivors amounted to 20 minutes. The operations were accompanied by intensive therapy and massive haemotransfusion. The introducers were removed using the fascia suture technique (without closure of the arterial wall). Two of the three wounded were saved, to be evacuated to a central hospital and discharged 170 and 75 days thereafter, which was due to long-term treatment of severe concomitant fractures of pelvic bones and lower extremities. No complications on the background of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta were revealed. Two years after surgery both men continue serving in the Armed Forces, with no significant functional impairments. Our third injured patient delivered in a condition of clinical death, despite restoration of the rhythm after inflation of the balloon unfortunately died. Our case reports demonstrate high efficacy of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in unstable haemodynamics induced by combat injury to the abdomen and pelvis. The technique of this method makes it possible not only to stabilize haemodynamics, to improve perfusion of the vital organs but also to staunch continuing haemorrhage, hence allowing additional time to carry out haemotransfusion. In future, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta may become one of the methods of the extended protocol of prehospital care.

The Effects of Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta on Cerebral Blood Flow, Intracranial Pressure, and Brain Tissue Oxygen Tension in a Rodent Model of Penetrating Ballistic-Like Brain Injury

Trauma is among the leading causes of death in the United States. Technological advancements have led to the development of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) which offers a pre-hospital option to non-compressible hemorrhage control. Due to the prevalence of concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI), an understanding of the effects of REBOA on cerebral physiology is critical. To further this understanding, we employed a rat model of penetrating ballistic-like brain injury (PBBI). PBBI produced an injury pattern within the right frontal cortex and striatum that replicates the pathology from a penetrating ballistic round. Aortic occlusion was initiated 30 min post-PBBI and maintained continuously (cAO) or intermittently (iAO) for 30 min. Continuous measurements of mean arterial pressure (MAP), intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO₂) were recorded during, and for 60 min following occlusion. PBBI increased ICP and decreased CBF and PbtO₂. The arterial balloon catheter effectively occluded the descending aorta which augmented MAP in the carotid artery. Despite this, CBF levels were not changed by aortic occlusion. iAO caused sustained adverse effects to ICP and PbtO₂ while cAO demonstrated no adverse effects on either. Temporary increases in PbtO₂ were observed during occlusion, along with restoration of sham levels of ICP for the remainder of the recordings. These results suggest that iAO may lead to prolonged cerebral hypertension following PBBI. Following cAO, ICP, and PbtO₂ levels were temporarily improved. This information warrants further investigation using TBI-polytrauma model and provides foundational knowledge surrounding the non-hemorrhage applications of REBOA including neurogenic shock and stroke.