The role of REBOA in the control of exsanguinating torso hemorrhage

Has the balloon really burst? Analysis of "the UK-REBOA randomized clinical trial"

BACKGROUND

Uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock is a leading cause of early death after injury. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) represents a paradigm shift in achieving hemodynamic stability and its implementation still remain controversial in different settings. The recently published UK-REBOA Randomized Clinical Trial aimed to determine the effectiveness of REBOA in patients with hemorrhagic shock, concluding its increased mortality compared with standard care alone.

METHODS

An adjustment of the statistical analysis was performed and a comprehensive analysis was proposed to address the study's limitations and demonstrate that these conclusions cannot be considered as benchmarks.

RESULTS

Primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed using Bayesian logistic regression and generalized linear models suitable for the outcome distribution. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups for the primary outcome (p-value 0.3341) nor in most of the secondary outcomes. The results of the principal stratum analyses (to account for intercurrent events) also did not show significant differences after the statistical analysis tests.

CONCLUSION

It cannot be stated that REBOA increases mortality compared with standard care alone in trauma patients with exsanguinating hemorrhage. Further studies and adequate simulation training programs in REBOA are critical to its successful implementation within a trauma system and to identify the optimum settings and patients.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in the presence of associated severe traumatic brain injury: A propensity-score matched study

BACKGROUND

Experimental work suggested that resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) preserves cerebral circulation in animal models of traumatic brain injury. No clinical work has evaluated the role of REBOA in the presence of associated severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We investigated the impacts of REBOA on neurological and survival outcomes.

METHODS

Propensity-score matched study, using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. Patients with severe TBI patients (Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥3) receiving REBOA within 4 ​h from arrival were matched with similar patients not receiving REBOA. Neurological matching included head AIS, pupils, and midline shift. Clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

434 REBOA patients were matched with 859 patients without REBOA. Patients in the REBOA group had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (63.6 ​% vs 44.2 ​%, p ​< ​0.001), severe sepsis (4.4 ​% vs 2.2 ​%, p ​= ​0.029), acute kidney injury (10.1 ​% vs 6.6 ​%, p ​= ​0.029), and withdrawal of life support (25.4 ​% vs 19.6 ​%, p ​= ​0.020) despite of lower craniectomy/craniotomy rate (7.1 ​% vs 12.7 ​%, p ​< ​0.002).

CONCLUSION

In patients with severe TBI, REBOA use is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, AKI, and infectious complications.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided versus open cut-down access to femoral vessels for the placement of a REBOA catheter

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) may be useful in treating exsanguinating trauma patients. This study seeks to compare rates of success, complications and time required for vascular access between ultrasound-guidance and surgical cut-down for femoral sheath insertion as a prospective observational case control study. Participating clinicians from either trauma surgery or anesthesiology were allocated to surgical cut-down or percutaneous ultrasound-guided puncture on a 1:1 ratio. Time spans to vessel identification, successful puncture, and balloon inflation were recorded. 80 study participants were recruited and allocated to 40 open cut-down approaches and 40 percutaneous ultrasound-guided approaches. REBOA catheter placement was successful in 18/40 cases (45%) using a percutaneous ultrasound guided technique and 33/40 times (83%) using the open cut-down approach (p < 0.001). Median times [in seconds] compared between percutaneous ultrasound-guided puncture and surgical cut-down were 36 (18-73) versus 117(56-213) for vessel visualization (p < 0.001), 136 (97-175) versus 183 (156-219) for vessel puncture (p < 0.001), and 375 (240-600) versus 288 (244-379) for balloon inflation (p = 0.08) overall. Access to femoral vessels for REBOA catheter placement is safer when performed by cut-down and direct visualization but can be performed faster by an ultrasound-guided technique when vessels can be identified clearly and rapidly.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in trauma management: a comprehensive study of clinical indications and challenges

Background

The application of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in trauma resuscitation, including for profound shock and cardiac arrest, has gained prominence. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of patients who were transported to the trauma resuscitation area (the TTRA group) and those who died at the scene (the DAS group), aiming to identify suitable REBOA candidates and critical contraindications.

Methods

A descriptive research design was used. We retrospectively reviewed 1158 adult trauma patients managed at a level I trauma center in 2020 and 2021. The TTRA group comprised 215 patients who, upon arrival at the trauma resuscitation area, either presented with a systolic blood pressure under 90 mm Hg or were in traumatic cardiac arrest but still exhibited signs of life. The study included patients directly transferred from incident scenes to the forensic unit. The DAS group comprised 434 individuals who were declared deceased at the scene of major trauma. REBOA indications were considered for two purposes: anatomic bleeding control for sources below the diaphragm to the groin, and circulatory restoration in patients with profound shock or cardiac arrest. Absolute REBOA contraindications were assessed, particularly for aortic and cardiac injuries, with or without cardiac tamponade.

Results

Predominantly male, the cohort largely consisted of motorcycle accident victims. The median Injury Severity Score was 41 (range 1-75). Within the TTRA group, the prospective applicability of REBOA was 52.6%, with a prevalence of major hemorrhagic sources from the abdomen to the groin of 38.6% and substantial intra-abdominal bleeding of 28.8%. The DAS group exhibited a prevalence of major hemorrhagic sources from the abdomen to the groin of 50.2%, and substantial intra-abdominal bleeding of 41.2%. In terms of REBOA contraindications, the DAS group demonstrated a greater prevalence of overall contraindications of 25.8%, aortic injuries 17.3%, and concomitant conditions of 16.4%. In the TTRA group, the rates of overall contraindications, aortic injury, and comorbid conditions were 12.6%, 4.2%, and 8.8, respectively. Cardiac injuries were noted in approximately 10% of patients in both groups.

Conclusions

This investigation underscores the potential benefits of REBOA in the management of major trauma patients. The prevalence of bleeding sources suitable for REBOA was high in both the TTRA and DAS groups. However, a significant number of patients in both groups also had contraindications to the procedure. These outcomes highlight the critical importance of enhanced training in patient assessment to ensure the safe and effective deployment of REBOA, particularly in resource-limited environments such as ongoing trauma resuscitation and prehospital care.

Level of evidence

Level III.

Is REBOA the Last Card to Control a Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

INTRODUCTION

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a potential tool for the management of massive gastrointestinal bleeding (MGB). This study aims to describe the experience of the use of REBOA as adjunctive therapy in patients with MGB and to evaluate its effectiveness.

METHODS

Serial cases of patients with hemorrhagic shock secondary to MGB in whom REBOA was placed were collected. Patient demographics, bleeding severity, etiology, management, and clinical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Between 2017 and 2020, five cases were analyzed. All patients had a severe gastrointestinal bleeding (Glasgow Blatchford Bleeding Score range 12-17; Clinical Rockal Score range 5-9). The etiologies of MGB were perforated gastric or duodenal ulcers, esophageal varices, and vascular lesions. Systolic blood pressure increased after REBOA placement and total occlusion time was 25-60 min. REBOA provided temporary hemorrhage control in all cases and allowed additional hemostatic maneuvers to be performed. Three patients survived more than 24 h. All patients died in index hospitalization. The main cause of death was related to hemorrhagic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular aortic occlusion can work as a bridge to further resuscitation and attempts at hemostasis in patients with MGB. REBOA provides hemodynamic support and may be used simultaneously with other hemostatic maneuvers, facilitating definitive hemorrhage control.

Management of non-compressible torso hemorrhage of the abdomen in civilian and military austere environments: a scoping review

Background

Non-compressible abdominal hemorrhage (NCAH) is the leading cause of potentially preventable deaths in both civilian and military austere environments, and an improvement in mortality due to this problem has not been demonstrated during the past quarter century. Several innovations have been developed to control hemorrhage closer to the point of injury.

Objective

This review assessed NCAH interventions in civilian and military settings, focusing on austere environments. It identified innovations, effectiveness, and knowledge gaps for future research.

Methodology

The Joanna Briggs Institute for Evidence Synthesis methodology guided this scoping review to completion. Studies evaluating NCAH with human participants in civilian and military austere environments that were eligible for inclusion were limited to English language studies published between December 1990 and January 2023. The PCC (Participant, Concept, Context) framework was used for data synthesis. Deductive and inductive thematic analyses were used to assess the literature that met inclusion criteria, identify patterns/themes to address the research questions and identify common themes within the literature. A stakeholder consultation was conducted to review and provide expert perspectives and opinions on the results of the deductive and inductive thematic analyses.

Results

The literature search identified 868 articles; 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Textual narrative analysis of the 26 articles resulted in the literature addressing four main categories: NCAH, penetrating abdominal trauma, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), and ResQFoam. The deductive thematic analysis aimed to answer three research questions. Research question 1 addressed the effectiveness of REBOA, damage control resuscitation, and damage control surgery in managing NCAH in austere environments. No effectiveness studies were found on this topic. Research question 2 identified three knowledge gaps in NCAH management in austere environments. The analysis identified early hemorrhage control, prehospital provider decision-making ability, and REBOA implementation as knowledge gaps in NCAH. Research question 3 identified five innovations that may affect the management of NCAH in the future: transport of patients, advanced resuscitative care, expert consultation, REBOA implementation, and self-expanding foam implementation. The inductive thematic analysis resulted in four recurrent themes from the literature: prehospital care, decision-making, hemorrhage control, and mortality in NCAH. During the stakeholders' consultation, the results of the deductive and inductive thematic analyses were reviewed and agreed on by the stakeholders. Special emphasis and discussion were given to prehospital management, expert opinions in the prehospital environment, decision-making in the prehospital environment, transport and resuscitation in the prehospital setting, REBOA, alternative discussion for research, and research gaps.

Conclusion

NCAH is still a significant cause of preventable death in both military and civilian austere environments, even with ongoing research and interventions aimed at extending survival in such conditions. This scoping review has identified several potential concepts that could reduce the mortality associated with a preventable cause of death due to hemorrhage in austere environments.

Impact of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta on gastrointestinal function with a matched cohort study

Background

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) can temporarily control arterial hemorrhage in torso trauma; however, the abdominal visceral blood flow is also blocked by REBOA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of REBOA on gastrointestinal function.

Methods

A retrospective review identified all trauma patients admitted to our trauma center between 2008 and 2019. We used propensity score matching analysis to compare the gastrointestinal function between subjects who underwent REBOA and those who did not. Data on demographics, feeding intolerance (FI), time to feeding goal achievement, and complications were retrieved.

Results

During the study period, 55 patients underwent REBOA. A total of 1694 patients met the inclusion criteria, 27 of whom were a subset of those who underwent REBOA. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the REBOA and no-REBOA groups were assigned 22 patients each. Patients in the REBOA group had a significantly higher incidence of FI (77% vs. 27%; OR, 9.1; 95% CI, 2.31 to 35.7; p=0.002) and longer time to feeding goal achievement (8 vs. 6 days, p=0.022) than patients in the no-REBOA group. Patients in the REBOA group also showed significantly prolonged durations of ventilator use (8 vs. 4 days, p=0.023). Furthermore, there was no difference in the mortality rate between the groups (9% vs. 9%, p=1.000).

Conclusions

REBOA was associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Our study findings can be useful in providing guidance on managing nutrition in trauma patients who undergo REBOA.

Level of evidence

Level IV.

Study type

Care management.

Postpartum hemorrhage with associated placenta previa in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization (UAE) and prophylactic resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) against postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in pregnant women after kidney transplantation have not been reported. Here, we describe a case of PPH associated with placenta previa in pregnancy following kidney transplantation, which was managed with UAE and prophylactic REBOA.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 35-year-old, gravida 2, para 1 woman with total placenta previa presented with vaginal bleeding (460 mL) at 33 weeks and 3 days of gestation. Previously, she underwent a living-donor kidney transplantation for IgA nephropathy, and the renal artery of the transplanted kidney was anastomosed with the right internal iliac artery. An emergency cesarean section with prophylactic REBOA was performed under general anesthesia. A balloon catheter was introduced via the left femoral artery and positioned above the aortic bifurcation (Aortic zone 3). Upon confirming fetal delivery, the balloon was immediately inflated, and the total aortic occlusion time was 20 min. However, following aortic balloon deflation, atonic bleeding continued despite Bakri balloon usage and uterotonic drug administration. Subsequently, UAE was performed for the refractory PPH, the left uterine artery was embolized using a gelatin sponge, and hemostasis was successfully achieved. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on postoperative day 7.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In pregnancies following kidney transplantation, prophylactic REBOA controls bleeding; however, it decreases blood flow to the transplanted kidney. Furthermore, uterine nutrient vasculature alterations are observed, necessitating a thorough understanding of the uterine artery supply pathways during UAE.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) prior to interfacility transfer: Who might benefit in a statewide trauma system?

BACKGROUND

Rural trauma patients are often seen at lower-level trauma centers before transfer and have higher mortality than those seen initially at a Level 1 Trauma Center. This study aims to describe the potential for Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) to bridge this mortality gap.

METHODS

We queried the Arizona Trauma Registry between 2014 and 2017 for hypotensive patients who were later transported to a level 1 center. REBOA candidates were identified as those with injuries consistent with major infra-diaphragmatic torso hemorrhage as the likely cause of death.

RESULTS

Of 17,868 interfacility transfers during the study period, 333 met inclusion criteria and had sufficient data for evaluation. 26 of the 333 patients were identified as REBOA candidates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that REBOA may be an effective means to extend survivability to those severely injured trauma patients needing interfacility transfer to a higher level of care.

Timing of computed tomography imaging in adult patients with severe trauma: A nationwide cohort study in Japan

PURPOSE

Computed tomography (CT) has become essential for the management of trauma patients. However, appropriate timing of CT acquisition remains undetermined. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between time to CT acquisition and mortality among adult patients with severe trauma.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank, which had 256 participating institutions from all over Japan between 2004 and 2018. Patients were categorized upon arrival as either severe trunk trauma with signs of shock or severe head trauma with coma and separately analyzed. Cases were further divided into three groups based on time elapsed between arrival at hospital and CT acquisition as immediate (0-29 min), intermediate (30-59 min), or late (≥60 min). Primary outcome was mortality on discharge, and multivariate logistic regression with adjusting for confounders was used for evaluation.

RESULTS

A total of 8467 (3640 in immediate group, 3441 in intermediate group, 1386 in late group) with trunk trauma patients and 6762 (4367 in immediate group, 2031 in intermediate group, 364 in late group) with head trauma patients were eligible for analysis included in the trunk and head trauma groups, respectively. The trunk trauma patients with shock on hospital arrival was 56.4% (4773/8467), and the head trauma patients with deep coma upon EMS arrival was 44.2% (2988/6762). Mortality rate gradually increased from 5.7% to 15.8% with prolonged time to CT imaging among trunk trauma patients. Multivariate logistic regression for death on discharge among trunk trauma patients yielded an adjusted odds ratio of 1.79 (95% confidence interval: 1.42-2.27) for the late group compared to the immediate group. In contrast, among head trauma patients, an adjusted odds ratio was 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.71-1.20) for the late group compared to the immediate group.

CONCLUSION

CT scan at or after 60 min was associated with increased death on discharge among patients with severe trunk trauma but not in those with severe head trauma.

Common complications and prevention strategies for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta: A narrative review

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is considered a key measure of treatment due to its use in stabilizing patients in shock through temporary inflow occlusion for noncompressible torso hemorrhage as well as its supportive role in myocardial and cerebral perfusion. Although its clinical efficacy in trauma has been widely recognized, concerns over related complications, such as vascular access and ischemia-reperfusion, are on the rise. This paper aims to investigate complications associated with REBOA and identify current and emerging prevention or mitigation strategies through a literature review based on human or animal data. Common complications associated with REBOA include ischemia/reperfusion injuries, vessel injuries, venous thromboembolism, and worsening proximal bleeding. REBOA treatment outcomes can be improved substantially with the help of precise selection of patients, better visualization tools, improvement in balloon catheters, blockage strategies, and medication intervention measures. Better understanding of REBOA-related complications and further research on the strategies to mitigate the occurrence of such complications will be of vital importance for the optimization of the clinical outcomes in patients.

Advances in trauma care to save lives from traumatic injury: A narrative review

ABSTRACT

Recent advances on trauma management from the prehospital setting to in hospital care led to a better surviving severe trauma rate. Mortality from exsanguination remains the first preventable mortality. Damage-control resuscitation and surgery are evolving and thus some promising concepts are developing. Transfusion toolkit is brought on the prehospital scene while temporary bridge to hemostasis may be helpful. Panel transfusion products allow an individualized ratio assumed by fresh frozen or lyophilized plasma, fresh or cold-stored whole blood, fibrinogen, four-factor prothrombin complex concentrates. Growing interest is raising in whole blood transfusion, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta use, hybrid emergency room, viscoelastic hemostatic assays to improve patient outcomes. Microcirculation, traumatic endotheliopathy, organ failures and secondary immunosuppression are point out since late deaths are increasing and may deserve specific treatment.As each trauma patient follows his own course over the following days after trauma, trauma management may be seen through successive, temporal, and individualized aims.

Short: Prediction of fetal blood oxygen content in response to partial occlusion of maternal aorta

Acute hemorrhage in pregnancy may lead to maternal and/or fetal morbidity or mortality. In emergency medicine, blockage of the aorta via an inflatable endovascular balloon, technically referred to Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA), is used to manage hemorrhage. However, the application of REBOA in pregnancy needs to strike a balance between two competing objectives of limiting maternal blood loss and ensuring fetal wellness, for which one would need to predict the impact of regulated blood pressure on fetal wellness. To address this problem, we propose an efficient machine learning-based method to predict the temporal impact of the distal Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (dMAP) controlled by the REBOA on the oxygen content in the fetal blood. Evaluation of the algorithm on data collected from in-vivo experiments from pregnant ewe animal models exhibits mean absolute error of 0.61, 1.09, 1.42, 1.70 mmHg, and coefficient of determination of 0.95, 0.86, 0.76, 0.64 for prediction of partial pressure of oxygen in fetal arterial blood, a key predictor of fetal wellness, in 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10-minute prediction horizons, respectively.

A dumbbell rescue stent graft facilitates clamp-free repair of aortic injury in a porcine model

Objective

Noncompressible torso hemorrhage is a high-mortality injury. We previously reported improved outcomes with a retrievable rescue stent graft to temporize aortic hemorrhage in a porcine model while maintaining distal perfusion. A limitation was that the original cylindrical stent graft design prohibited simultaneous vascular repair, given the concern for suture ensnarement of the temporary stent. We hypothesized that a modified, dumbbell-shaped design would preserve distal perfusion and also offer a bloodless plane in the midsection, facilitating repair with the stent graft in place and improve the postrepair hemodynamics.

Methods

In an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee-approved terminal porcine model, a custom retrievable dumbbell-shaped rescue stent graft (dRS) was fashioned from laser-cut nitinol and polytetrafluoroethylene covering and compared with aortic cross-clamping. Under anesthesia, the descending thoracic aorta was injured and then repaired with cross-clamping (n = 6) or dRS (n = 6). Angiography was performed in both groups. Operations were divided into phases: (1) baseline, (2) thoracic injury with either cross-clamp or dRS deployed, and (3) recovery, after which the clamp or dRS were removed. Target blood loss was 22% to simulate class II or III hemorrhagic shock. Shed blood was recovered with a Cell Saver and reinfused for resuscitation. Renal artery flow rates were recorded at baseline and during the repair phase and reported as a percentage of cardiac output. Phenylephrine pressor requirements were recorded.

Results

In contrast with cross-clamped animals, dRS animals demonstrated both operative hemostasis and preserved flow beyond the dRS angiographically. Recovery phase mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and right ventricular end-diastolic volume were significantly higher in dRS animals (P = .033, P = .015, and P = .012, respectively). Whereas distal femoral blood pressures were absent during cross-clamping, among the dRS animals, the carotid and femoral MAPs were not significantly different during the injury phase (P = .504). Cross-clamped animals demonstrated nearly absent renal artery flow, in contrast with dRS animals, which exhibited preserved perfusion (P<.0001). Femoral oxygen levels (partial pressure of oxygen) among a subset of animals further confirmed greater distal oxygenation during dRS deployment compared with cross-clamping (P = .006). After aortic repair and clamp or stent removal, cross-clamped animals demonstrated more significant hypotension, as demonstrated by increased pressor requirements over stented animals (P = .035).

Conclusions

Compared with aortic cross-clamping, the dRS model demonstrated superior distal perfusion, while also facilitating simultaneous hemorrhage control and aortic repair. This study demonstrates a promising alternative to aortic cross-clamping to decrease distal ischemia and avoid the unfavorable hemodynamics that accompany clamp reperfusion. Future studies will assess differences in ischemic injury and physiological outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

Noncompressible aortic hemorrhage remains a high-mortality injury, and current damage control options are limited by ischemic complications. We have previously reported a retrievable stent graft to allow rapid hemorrhage control, preserved distal perfusion, and removal at the primary repair. The prior cylindrical stent graft was limited by the inability to suture the aorta over the stent graft owing to risk of ensnarement. This large animal study explored a dumbbell retrievable stent with a bloodless plane to allow suture placement with the stent in place. This approach improved distal perfusion and hemodynamics over clamp repair and heralds the potential for aortic repair while avoiding complications.

Worse outcomes with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in severe pelvic fracture: A matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Severe pelvic fracture is the most common indication for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). This matched cohort study investigated outcomes with or without REBOA use in isolated severe pelvic fractures.

METHODS

Trauma Quality Improvement Program database study, included patients with isolated severe pelvic fracture (AIS≥3), excluded associated injuries with AIS >3 for any region other than lower extremity. REBOA patients were propensity score matched to similar patients without REBOA. Outcomes were mortality and complications.

RESULTS

93 REBOA patients were matched with 279 without. REBOA patients had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (32.3% vs 19%, p = 0.008), higher rates of venous thromboembolism (14% vs 6.5%, p = 0.023) and DVT (11.8% vs 5.4%, p = 0.035). In multivariate analysis, REBOA use was independently associated with increased mortality and venous thromboembolism.

CONCLUSIONS

REBOA in severe pelvic fractures is associated with higher rates of mortality, venous thromboembolism.

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.

Validation of a miniaturized handheld arterial pressure monitor for guiding full and partial REBOA use during resuscitation

PURPOSE

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a well-validated method for the control of noncompressible truncal hemorrhage. In lower resource or battlefield settings, the need for arterial line setup and monitoring is problematic and potentially prohibitive. We sought to evaluate the accuracy and precision of a miniaturized portable device (Centurion COMPASS^®) versus standard arterial pressure monitoring using standard ER-REBOA and partial REBOA (pREBOA) as a high-fidelity and space-/time-conserving alternative.

METHODS

A total of 40 swine underwent a four-phase validation/precision study (each phase using five ER-REBOAs and five pREBOAs). Phases I/II evaluated accuracy with full and pREBOA in uninjured animals. Phases III/IV duplicated the previous phases but in a severe hemorrhagic shock model. Carotid and femoral pressures were monitored with both intra-arterial pressure systems and the COMPASS^® device. The vascular flow was measured by aortic flow probes. Correlation and Bland-Altman analysis were performed.

RESULTS

There was a strong correlation in accuracy testing of proximal and distal COMPASS^® devices compared to standard intra-arterial pressure monitoring (r = 0.94, 0.8; p < 0.005) as well as during precision testing (r = 0.98, 0.89 p < 0.005) in the uninjured phases. Similar accuracy and reliability were demonstrated in hemorrhagic shock, with a strong correlation for the proximal and distal COMPASS^® devices (r = 0.98, 0.97; p < 0.005), as well as during precision testing (r = 0.99, 0.95; p < 0.005) in both full and pREBOA scenarios. Bland-Altman analysis showed extremely low bias between the COMPASS^® and arterial line for both proximal (bias = 1.9) and distal (bias = 0.8) pressure measurements.

CONCLUSION

The COMPASS^® provides accurate and precise pressure measurements during standard and partial REBOA in both uninjured and shock conditions. This device may help extend and enhance capability in any low-resource/battlefield settings, or even eliminate the need for standard intra-arterial invasive pressure monitoring and external setup.

The Effects of Increasing Aortic Occlusion Times at the Level of the Highest Renal Artery (Zone II) in the Normovolemic Rabbit Model

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing zone II resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) occlusion times on physiological, end-organ and inflammatory responses in rabbits to assess the safe aortic occlusion time in a normovolemic rabbit model.

METHODS

The zone ll aorta was occluded with a balloon in 32 rabbits (8 animals each for 15, 30, 60, and 90 min). 8 rabbits served as a control. ELISAs were used to examine the serum levels of ALT, AST, Cr, BUN, MDA, SOD, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α; HE staining was used to identify the morphological changes in the kidney; RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and NF-κB in the kidney and uterus; and Western blotting was used to measure the protein expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and NF-κB in the kidney and uterus.

RESULTS

Plasma concentrations of liver markers, kidney markers, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators were significantly increased at the end of reperfusion in the 30 min, 60 min and 90 min groups. Damage to the kidney occurred in the 30 min, 60 min and 90 min groups. The mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and NF-κB in the kidney and uterus were significantly increased at the end of reperfusion in the 30 min group, and as the time of occlusion extended, these levels continued to increase.

CONCLUSION

Activation of systemic inflammation and ischaemia-reperfusion injury of end-organs occurred when the occlusion time reached 30 min. Therefore, 15 min should be regarded as a safe period of REBOA in zone II.

Positive impact of trauma center to exsanguinating pelvic bone fracture patient survival: A Korean trauma center study

Background:

Trauma center and multidisciplinary management protocols have been proven to improve the outcomes of severely injured patients. Hemorrhage from pelvic injury is associated with high mortality and is a common cause of preventable trauma death. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the establishment of a trauma center and management protocols on the outcomes of hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures.

Methods:

Hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures were reviewed retrospectively over a 10-year period. They were grouped into the pre-phase and post-phase, which were defined as before and after the establishment of a trauma center and protocols, respectively. Basic characteristics and outcomes were compared between periods.

Results:

This study enrolled a total of 106 patients. Basic and physiological characteristics were not significantly different in both phases. Pre-peritoneal packing and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta were only performed in the post-phase (pre-peritoneal packing, N = 27; resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta, N = 10). In the post-phase, the time from emergency department arrival to hemostatic intervention was significantly shorter (269 ± 132.4 min vs 147.2 ± 95.5 min, p < 0.0001), and mortality due to acute hemorrhage was significantly lower (p = 0.003; absolute risk reduction: 0.22; relative risk reduction: 0.72). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, injury severity score, and the pre-phase as independent risk factors for mortality.

Conclusion:

The establishment of a trauma center and multidisciplinary management protocols, such as pre-peritoneal packing and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta, improved the outcomes of hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures.

Comparison between external fixation and pelvic binder in patients with pelvic fracture and haemodynamic instability who underwent various haemostatic procedures

Haemostatic procedures such as preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP), pelvic angiography (PA), and internal iliac artery ligation are used for haemorrhage control in pelvic fracture patients with haemodynamic instability. Pelvic external fixation (PEF) and pelvic binder (PB) are usually applied with haemostatic procedures to reduce the pelvic volume. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between patients who underwent PEF and PB. Among 173 patients with pelvic fracture admitted to the emergency room of three regional trauma centres between January 2015 and December 2018, the electronic charts of haemodynamically unstable patients were retrospectively analysed. Among the 84 patients included in the analysis, 20 underwent PEF with or without PB, and 64 underwent only PB. There were significant differences in tile classification and laparotomy between the PEF and PB groups (p = 0.023 and p = 0.032). PPP tended to be more frequently preformed in the PEF group (p = 0.054), whereas PA tended to be more commonly performed in the PB group than in the PEF group (p = 0.054). After propensity score matching to adjust for differences in patient characteristics and adjunct haemostatic procedure, there was no significant difference in 7-day, 30-day, and overall mortality rates between the PEF and PB groups (10.5% vs 21.1%, p = 0.660, 21.1% vs 26.3%, p = 1.000, and 26.3% vs 26.3%, p = 1.000). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis and multivariate analysis for correction of covariates (age, lactate, and abdominal injury) showed that PEF was not an independent factor for 30-day mortality compared with PB (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.526; 95% confidence interval, 0.092-3.002; p = 0.469). Among the volume reduction procedures performed with other haemostatic procedures in patients with pelvic fracture and haemodynamic instability, PEF did not significantly reduce the 30-day mortality rate compared to PB.

Hemodynamic Effect of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in Hemodynamic Instability Secondary to Acute Cardiac Tamponade in a Porcine Model

BACKGROUND

The pre-hospital use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) is increasing, although it remains controversial, in part because of suggested contraindications such as acute cardiac tamponade (ACT). As both the pre-hospital and in-hospital use of REBOA might potentially occur with concurrent ACT, knowledge of the hemodynamic effect of REBOA in this setting is crucial. This study, therefore, aimed at investigating the physiological effects of REBOA in hemodynamic instability secondary to ACT in a porcine model. We hypothesize that REBOA can temporarily increase systemic blood pressure and carotid blood flow, and prolong survival, in hemodynamic shock caused by ACT.

METHODS

Fourteen pigs (24-38 kg) underwent ACT, through true cardiac injury and hemorrhage into the pericardial space, and were allowed to hemodynamically deteriorate. At a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 50 mm Hg (SBP50) they were randomized to total occlusion REBOA in zone 1 or to a control group. Survival, hemodynamic parameters, carotid blood flow (CBF), femoral blood flow (FBF), cardiac output (CO), end-tidal CO2, and arterial blood gas parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

REBOA intervention was associated with a significant increase in SBP (50 mm Hg to 74 mm Hg, P = 0.016) and CBF (110 mL/min to 195 mL/min, P = 0.031), with no change in CO, compared to the control group. At 20 min after SBP50, the survival rate in the intervention group was 86% and in the control group 14%, with time to death being significantly longer in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized animal study demonstrates that REBOA can help provide hemodynamic stabilization and prolong survival in hemodynamic shock provoked by ACT. It is important to stress that our study does not change the fact that urgent pericardiocentesis or cardiac surgery is, and should remain, the standard optimal treatment for ACT.Level of evidence: Prospective, randomized, experimental animal study. Basic science study, therapeutic.

Control of pelvic fracture-related hemorrhage

This is a paper about pelvic fracture–related bleeding control.

Supraceliac aortic cross-clamping to control bleeding from the celiac axis during pancreatic surgery: a case report

Background

Intraoperative bleeding from the celiac axis (CA) can occur during pancreatic surgery, and appropriate management is essential to avoid critical complications. Here, we have reported a case that was managed with supraceliac aortic cross-clamping (SAC) for arterial bleeding from the CA during pancreatic surgery.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer located in the pancreatic head and body. Preoperative computed tomography showed a stricture at the root of the CA, which may have been caused by a median arcuate ligament. Pancreaticoduodenectomy with division of the median arcuate ligament was scheduled. Uncontrollable bleeding from the root of the CA was observed during surgery. The bleeding was controlled by performing SAC, and a defect in the CA was confirmed. Arterial wall repair was successfully performed under temporal blood control using SAC. The aortic clamp time was 2 min and 51 s, and the intraoperative blood loss was 480 ml.

Conclusions

Although SAC is primarily a procedure for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, it can be useful for the management of CA injuries during pancreatic surgery.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40792-021-01343-z.

Case Report: Lifesaving Hemostasis With Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in a Patient With Cardiac Arrest Caused by Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is performed to treat hemorrhagic shock, whose cause is located below the diaphragm. However, its use in patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage is relatively rare. The 45-year-old man with a history of dilated cardiomyopathy had experienced epigastric discomfort and had an episode of presyncope. On his presentation, the patient's blood pressure was 82/64 mmHg, heart rate 140/min, and consciousness level GCS E4V5M6. Hemodynamics stabilized rapidly with a transfusion that was administered on an emergency basis, and a blood sample only showed mild anemia (Hb, 11.5 g/dL). The patient was admitted to investigating the presyncope episode, and the planned endoscopy was scheduled the following day. The patient had an episode of presyncope soon and was found in hemorrhagic shock resulting from a duodenal ulcer rapidly deteriorated to cardiac arrest. Although a spontaneous heartbeat was restored with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the patient's hemodynamics were unstable despite the emergency blood transfusion administered by pumping. Consequently, a REBOA device was placed, resuscitation was continued, and hemostasis was achieved by vascular embolization for the gastroduodenal artery. The patient was subsequently discharged without complications. However, there is no established evidence regarding the REBOA use in upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and the investigations that have been reported have been limited. Further, one recent research suggests that appropriate patient selection and early use may improve survival in these life-threatening cases. As was seen in the present case, REBOA can effectively treat upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage by temporarily stabilizing hemodynamics and enabling a hemostatic procedure to be quickly performed during that time. This report also demonstrated the hemodynamics during the combination of intermittent and partial REBOA to avoid the complications of ischemic or reperfusion injury of the intestines or lower extremities.

Controversies in Surgery: Trauma

As care of the injured patient continues to evolve, new surgical technologies and new resuscitative therapies can change the algorithms that drive trauma care. In particular, the advent of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta has changed the way trauma surgeons treat patients in extremis. The science of resuscitation continues to evolve, leading to controversy about the optimal administration of fluid and blood products. Laparoscopy has given additional tools to the trauma surgeon to potentially avoid exploratory laparotomy, and rib fracture fixation can be beneficial in the proper patient.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in pelvic ring fractures: The Denver Health protocol

Patients presenting with hemodynamic instability associated with pelvic fractures continue to have very high mortality and surgeons continue to seek damage control strategies that may improve survival. Strategies usually require massive transfusion, immediate pelvic stabilization and another adjunctive maneuver's such as angioembolization or preperitoneal pelvic packing to prevent hemorrhagic death. One current intervention that has regained some popularity in lieu of resuscitative thoracotomy is the Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA). This requires some manner of femoral arterial access to insert a balloon into the aorta and increase central blood pressure (cardiac and cerebral perfusion) and control active pelvic bleeding. Based on several animal models and an increasing number of publications, many US level I trauma centers have now opted to use REBOA in carefully selected patients showing signs of near cardiac arrest from non-compressible torso hemorrhage. Description of the current advances in aortic occlusion using catheter-based technology in the setting of severe shock for non-compressible torso hemorrhage from pelvic ring fracture is the purpose of this report.

Femoral vascular access for endovascular resuscitation

ABSTRACT

Endovascular resuscitation is an emerging area in the resuscitation of both severe traumatic hemorrhage and nontraumatic cardiac arrest. Vascular access is the critical first procedural step that must be accomplished to initiate endovascular resuscitation. The endovascular interventions presently available and emerging are routinely or potentially performed via the femoral vessels. This may require either femoral arterial access alone or access to both the femoral artery and vein. The time-critical nature of resuscitation necessitates that medical specialists performing endovascular resuscitation be well-trained in vascular access techniques. Keen knowledge of femoral vascular anatomy and skill with vascular access techniques are required to meet the needs of critically ill patients for whom endovascular resuscitation can prove lifesaving. This review article addresses the critical importance of femoral vascular access in endovascular resuscitation, focusing on the pertinent femoral vascular anatomy and technical aspects of ultrasound-guided percutaneous vascular access and femoral vessel cutdown that may prove helpful for successful endovascular resuscitation.

Predicting success of resuscitative endovascular occlusion of the aorta: Timing supersedes variable techniques in predicting patient survival

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is used for temporary aortic occlusion of trauma patients in the management of noncompressible hemorrhage. Previous studies have focused on how to properly perform REBOA in the trauma environment to improve survival rates, but high-grade evidence defining the ideal patient population does not yet exist. This post hoc analysis of the Emergent Truncal Hemorrhage Control Study seeks to identify the most important clinical factors for physicians to consider when selecting for REBOA candidates and their potential survival following REBOA.

METHODS

Post hoc analysis of a large, multicenter, prospective observational study conducted at six level 1 trauma centers, 2017 to 2018, was performed. An onsite data collector documented all time points for REBOA patients since admission. Candidate predictors were demographics; injury severity; physiology preprocedure, during procedure, and postprocedure; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and REBOA-specific variables (time to procedure, procedure-related time intervals, access site, technique, sheath size, catheter length, balloon volume, deployment zone). Predictive models for survival at three different time points along the trauma triage and REBOA process timeline ("Admission," "REBOA Initiation," and "Postaortic Occlusion") were devised by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients had REBOA placement. The Admission model selected age, Glasgow Coma Scale, and admission systolic blood pressure as significant predictors of survival (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.94). The REBOA Initiation and Postaortic Occlusion models selected age, Glasgow Coma Scale, and the systolic blood pressure measured just before balloon inflation as predictors for survival (AUROC, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78-0.97] and AUROC, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.81-0.99], respectively). No REBOA procedural variables were identified as predictors of patient survival.

CONCLUSION

Only patient-specific criteria of age, neurologic status, and severity of shock predicted survival. The hemodynamic stability of the patient at the time REBOA is initiated is more important than how REBOA is initiated. These findings suggest that earlier preparation for REBOA placement may be a key to improved survival.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, level IV.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in patients with major trauma and uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Background

Multiple studies regarding the use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in patients with non-compressible torso injuries and uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock were recently published. To date, the clinical evidence of the efficacy of REBOA is still debated. We aimed to conduct a systematic review assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of REBOA in patients with major trauma and uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and CENTRAL up to June 2020. All randomized controlled trials and observational studies that investigated the use of REBOA compared to resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) with/without REBOA or no-REBOA were eligible.

We followed the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Two authors independently extracted data and appraised the risk of bias of included studies. Effect sizes were pooled in a meta-analysis using random-effects models. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Primary outcomes were mortality, volume of infused blood components, health-related quality of life, time to haemorrhage control and any adverse effects. Secondary outcomes were improvement in haemodynamic status and failure/success of REBOA technique.

Results

We included 11 studies (5866 participants) ranging from fair to good quality. REBOA was associated with lower mortality when compared to RT (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.20–0.74), whereas no difference was observed when REBOA was compared to no-REBOA (aOR 1.40; 95% CI 0.79–2.46). No significant difference in health-related quality of life between REBOA and RT (p = 0.766). The most commonly reported complications were amputation, haematoma and pseudoaneurysm. Sparse data and heterogeneity of reporting for all other outcomes prevented any estimate.

Conclusions

Our findings on overall mortality suggest a positive effect of REBOA among non-compressible torso injuries when compared to RT but no differences compared to no-REBOA. Variability in indications and patient characteristics prevents any conclusion deserving further investigation. REBOA should be promoted in specific training programs in an experimental setting in order to test its effectiveness and a randomized trial should be planned.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13017-021-00386-9.

Quantifying the need for pediatric REBOA: A gap analysis

BACKGROUND

Trauma is the leading cause of death in children. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) provides temporary hemorrhage control, but its potential benefit has not been assessed in children. We hypothesized that there are pediatric patients who may benefit from REBOA.

METHODS

Trauma patients <18 years old at a level 1 pediatric trauma center between 2009 and 2019 were queried for deaths, pre-hospital cardiac arrest, massive transfusion protocol activation, transfusion requirement, or hemorrhage control surgery. These patients defined the cohort of severely injured patients. From this cohort, patients with intraabdominal injuries for which REBOA may provide temporary hemorrhage control were identified, including solid organ injury necessitating intervention, vascular injury, or pelvic hemorrhage.

RESULTS

There were 239 severely injured patients out of 6538 pediatric traumas. Of these, 38 had REBOA-amenable injuries (15.9%) with 34.2% mortality, accounting for 10.2% of all pediatric trauma deaths at one center. Eleven patients with REBOA-amenable injuries had TBI (28.9%). Patients with REBOA-amenable injuries represented 0.6% of all pediatric traumas.

CONCLUSION

Nearly 20% of severely injured pediatric patients could potentially benefit from REBOA. The overall proportion of pediatric patients with REBOA-amenable injuries is similar to adult studies.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective comparative study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Is resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for computed tomography diagnosis feasible or not? A Japanese single-center, retrospective, observational study

BACKGROUND

Advances in medical equipment have resulted in changes in the management of severe trauma. The role of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in this scenario is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the usage of REBOA and utility of computed tomography (CT) in the setting of aortic occlusion in our current trauma management.

METHODS

This Japanese single-tertiary center, retrospective, and observational study analyzed 77 patients who experienced severe trauma and persistent hypotension between October 2014 and March 2020.

RESULTS

All patients required urgent hemostasis. Twenty patients underwent REBOA, 11 underwent open aortic cross-clamping, and 46 did not undergo aortic occlusion. Among patients who underwent aortic occlusion, 19 patients underwent prehemostasis CT, and 7 patients underwent operative exploration without prehemostasis CT for identifying active bleeding sites. The 24-hour and 28-day survival rates in patients who underwent CT were not inferior to those in patients who did not undergo CT (24-hour survival rate, 84.2% vs. 57.1%; 28-day survival rate, 47.4% vs. 28.6%). Moreover, the patients who underwent CT had less discordance between primary hemostasis site and main bleeding site compared with patients who did not undergo CT (5% vs. 71.4%, p = 0.001). In the patients who underwent prehemostasis CT, REBOA was the most common approach of aortic occlusion. Most of the bleeding control sites were located in the retroperitoneal space. There were many patients who underwent interventional radiology for hemostasis.

CONCLUSION

In a limited number of patients whose cardiac arrests were imminent and in whom no active bleeding sites could be clearly identified without CT findings, REBOA for CT diagnosis may be effective; however, further investigations are needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management study, level V.

Strategies for successful implementation of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in an urban Level I trauma center

BACKGROUND

The rationale for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is to control life-threatening subdiaphragmatic bleeding and facilitate resuscitation; however, incorporating this into the resuscitative practices of a trauma service remains challenging. The objective of this study is to describe the process of successful implementation of REBOA use in an academic urban Level I trauma center. All REBOA procedures from April 2014 through December 2019 were evaluated; REBOA was implemented after surgical faculty attended a required and internally developed Advanced Endovascular Strategies for Trauma Surgeons course. Success was defined by sustained early adoption rates.

METHODS

An institutional protocol was published, and a REBOA supply cart was placed in the emergency department with posters attached to depict technical and procedural details. A focused professional practice evaluation was utilized for the first three REBOA procedures performed by each faculty member, leading to internal privileging.

RESULTS

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta was performed in 97 patients by nine trauma surgeons, which is 1% of the total trauma admissions during this time. Each surgeon performed a median of 12 REBOAs (interquartile range, 5-14). Blunt (77/97, 81%) or penetrating abdominopelvic injuries (15/97, 15%) comprised the main injury mechanisms; 4% were placed for other reasons (4/97), including ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (n = 3) and preoperatively for a surgical oncologic resection (n = 1). Overall survival was 65% (63/97) with a steady early adoption trend that resulted in participation in a Department of Defense multicenter trial.

CONCLUSION

Strategies for how departments adopt new procedures require clinical guidelines, a training program focused on competence, and a hospital education and privileging process for those acquiring new skills.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, level V.

Prehospital aortic blood flow control techniques for non-compressible traumatic hemorrhage

Non-compressible hemorrhage in the junctional areas and torso could be life-threatening and its prehospital control remains extremely challenging. The aim of this review was to compare commonly used techniques for the control of non-compressible hemorrhage in prehospital settings, and thereby provide evidence for further improvements in emergency care of traumatic injuries. Three techniques were reviewed including external aortic compression (EAC), abdominal aortic junctional tourniquet (AAJT), and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). In prehospital settings, all three techniques have demonstrated clinical effectiveness for the control of severe hemorrhage. EAC is a cost- and equipment-free, easy-to-teach, and immediately available technique. In contrast, AAJT and REBOA are expensive and require detailed instructions or systematic training. Compared with EAC, AAJT and REBOA have greater potentials in the management of traumatic hemorrhage. AAJT can be used not only in the junctional areas but also in pelvic and bilateral lower limb injuries. However, both AAJT and REBOA should be used for a limited time (less than 1 hour) due to possible consequences of ischemia and reperfusion. Compared with EAC and AAJT, REBOA is invasive, requiring femoral arterial access and intravascular guidance and inflation. Mortality from non-compressible hemorrhage could be reduced through the prehospital application of aortic blood flow control techniques. EAC should be considered as the first-line choice for many non-compressible injuries that cannot be managed with conventional junctional tourniquets. In comparison, AAJT or REBOA is recommended for better control of the aorta blood flow in prehospital settings. Although these three techniques each have advantages, their use in trauma is not widespread. Future studies are warranted to provide more data about their safety and efficacy.

Is there a role for REBOA? A system assessment

INTRODUCTION

To analyze our experience to quantify potential need for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA).

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients over a three-year period who presented as a trauma with hemorrhagic shock. Patients were divided into two groups: REBOA Candidate vs. Non-candidates. Injuries, outcomes, and interventions were compared.

RESULTS

Of 7643 trauma activations, only 37 (0.44%) fit inclusion criteria, of which 16 met criteria for candidacy for potential REBOA placement. The groups did not differ in terms of injury severity, physiology, age, timing of intervention, nor massive transfusion. Survival was linked to TRISS (p = 0.01) and Emergency Room Thoracotomy (p = 0.002). Of Candidates, 8 (50%) had injuries that could have benefited from REBOA, while 7 (44%) had injuries that could be associated with potential harm.

DISCUSSION

The volume of patients who would potentially benefit from REBOA appears to be small and does not appear to support system wide adoption in the studied region.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Use of REBOA in the universe of magical realism: a real-world review

While reading the novella “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” by the Colombian Nobel Laureate Gabriel García-Marquez, we were surprised to realize that the injuries sustained by the main character could have been successfully treated had he received modern trauma care in which REBOA may have been considered. This is a discussion of Mr. Nasar's murder to explore whether he could have been saved by deploying REBOA as a surgical adjunct to bleeding control and resuscitation. In reading García-Marquez's novel we noted the events that unfolded at the time of Santiago Nasar's murder. To contextualize the claim that Mr. Nasar could have survived, had his injuries been treated with REBOA, we explored and illustrated what could have done differently and why. On the day of his death, Mr. Nasar sustained multiple penetrating stab wounds. Although he received multiple stab wounds to his torso, the book describes seven potentially fatal injuries, resulting in hollow viscus, solid viscus, and major vascular injuries. We provided a practical description of the clinical and surgical management algorithm we would have followed in Mr. Nasar's case. This algorithm included the REBOA deployment for hemorrhage control and resuscitation. The use of REBOA as part of the surgical procedures performed could have saved Mr. Nasar's life. Based on our current knowledge about REBOA in trauma surgery, we claim that its use, coupled with appropriate surgical care for hemorrhage control, could have saved Santiago Nasar's life, and thus prevent a death foretold.

Buscando el punto crítico de presión arterial sistólica para la oclusión endovascular de la aorta: Análisis mundial de los registros REBOA

Introducción. La presión arterial sistólica puede ser un factor determinante para la toma de decisiones en el manejo de pacientes con trauma severo y hemorragia no compresible del torso. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el punto óptimo de presión arterial sistólica previo a la oclusión endovascular de aorta asociado con la mortalidad a las 24 horas. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis combinado de dos bases de datos de registro de REBOA, ABO-Trauma Registry y AAST-AORTA, que incluye pacientes de Norte América, Suramérica, Europa, Asia y África. Pacientes sin efecto hemodinámico con el uso del REBOA fueron excluidos. Se describieron las características demográficas, clínicas y de la colocación del REBOA en los pacientes que fallecieron en las primeras 24 horas. Se analizó la asociación entre la presión arterial sistólica previa a la oclusión aortica y la mortalidad a través de modelos de regresión logística y se evaluó el poder predictivo de la presión arterial sistólica en un intervalo entre 60 y 90 mmHg. Resultados. Fueron identificados 871 registros, pero solo 693 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. El trauma cerrado se presentó en el 67,2 % de los pacientes y la severidad del trauma tuvo una mediana de ISS de 34 (RIQ: 25-45). La mediana de la presión arterial sistólica previa al REBOA fue de 61 mmHg (RIQ: 46-80). La mortalidad a las 24 horas fue del 34,6 %. La asociación entre la presión arterial sistólica pre-oclusión de la aorta y la mortalidad a las 24 horas tiene una capacidad predictiva de acuerdo con el área bajo la curva ROC para trauma cerrado de 0,64 (IC95% 0,59-0,70) y para trauma penetrante de 0,61 (IC95% 0,53-0,69). Se identificó que la presión arterial sistólica de 70 mmHg se asocia con un aumento por encima del 25 % de la mortalidad a las 24 horas. Discusión. La presión arterial sistólica de 70 mmHg en pacientes con trauma severo y hemorragia no compresible puede ser el punto crítico para la oclusión endovascular de aorta para mejorar la supervivencia de los pacientes, sin importar el mecanismo de trauma. Sin embargo, la presión arterial sistólica debe complementarse con otros factores clínicos para tomar la decisión oportuna.

The critical threshold value of systolic blood pressure for aortic occlusion in trauma patients in profound hemorrhagic shock

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the critical threshold of systolic blood pressure (SBP) for aortic occlusion (AO) in severely injured patients with profound hemorrhagic shock.

METHODS

All adult patients (>15 years) undergoing AO via resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) or thoracotomy with aortic cross clamping (TACC) between 2014 and 2018 at level I trauma center were included. Patients who required cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the prehospital setting were excluded. A logistic regression analysis based on mechanism of injury, age, Injury Severity Score, REBOA/TACC, and SBP on admission was done.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients underwent AO. In 57, TACC was performed, and in 50, REBOA was performed. Sixty patients who underwent AO developed traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA), and 47 did not (no TCA). Penetrating trauma was more prevalent in the TCA group (TCA, 90% vs. no TCA, 74%; p < 0.05) but did not modify 24-hour mortality (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-2.00; p = 0.337). Overall, 24-hour mortality was 47% (50) and 52% (56) for 28-day mortality. When the SBP reached 60 mm Hg, the predicted mortality at 24 hours was more than 50% and a SBP lower than 70 mm Hg was also associated with an increased of probability of cardiac arrest.

CONCLUSION

Systolic blood pressure of 60 mm Hg appears to be the optimal value upon which AO must be performed immediately to prevent the probability of death (>50%). However, values of SBP less than 70 mm Hg also increase the probability of cardiac arrest.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level IV.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of Aorta: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The data on resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) use continue to grow with its increasing use in trauma centers. The data in her last 5 years have not been systematically reviewed. We aim to assess current literature related to REBOA use and outcomes among civilian trauma populations.

METHODS

A literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and JAMA Network for studies regarding REBOA usage in civilian trauma from 2016 to 2020 is carried out. This review followed preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 35 studies for inclusion in our systematic review, involving 4073 patients. The most common indication for REBOA was patient presentation in hemorrhagic shock secondary to traumatic injury. REBOA was associated with significant systolic blood pressure improvement. Of 4 studies comparing REBOA to non-REBOA controls, 2 found significant mortality benefit with REBOA. Significant mortality improvement with REBOA compared to open aortic occlusion was seen in 4 studies. In the few studies investigating zone placement, highest survival rate was seen in patients undergoing zone 3. Overall, reports of complications directly related to overall REBOA use were relatively low.

CONCLUSION

REBOA has been shown to be effective in promoting hemodynamic stability in civilian trauma. Mortality data on REBOA use are conflicting, but most studies investigating REBOA vs. open occlusion methods suggest a significant survival advantage. Recent data on the REBOA technique (zone placement and partial REBOA) are sparse and currently insufficient to determine advantage with any particular variation. Overall, larger prospective civilian trauma studies are needed to better understand the benefits of REBOA in high-mortality civilian trauma populations.

STUDY TYPE

Systematic Review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III- Therapeutic.

Low profile REBOA device for increasing systolic blood pressure in hemodynamic instability: single-center 4-year experience of use of ER-REBOA

Background

Hemodynamic instability due to torso hemorrhage can be managed with the assistance of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). This is a report of a single-center experience using the ER-REBOA™ catheter for traumatic and non-traumatic cases as an adjunct to hemorrhage control and as part of the EndoVascular resuscitation and Trauma Management (EVTM) concept. The objective of this report is to describe the clinical usage, technical success, results, complications and outcomes of the ER-REBOA™ catheter at Örebro University hospital, a middle-sized university hospital in Europe.

Methods

Data concerning patients receiving the ER-REBOA™ catheter for any type of hemorrhagic shock and hemodynamic instability at Örebro University hospital in Sweden were collected prospectively from October 2015 to May 2020.

Results

A total of 24 patients received the ER-REBOA™ catheter (with the intention to use) for traumatic and non-traumatic hemodynamic control; it was used in 22 patients. REBOA was performed or supervised by vascular surgeons using 7–8 Fr sheaths with an anatomic landmark or ultrasound guidance. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased significantly from 50 mmHg (0–63) to 95 mmHg (70–121) post REBOA. In this cohort, distal embolization and balloon rupture due to atherosclerosis were reported in one patient and two patients developed renal failure. There were no cases of balloon migration. Overall 30-day survival was 59%, with 45% for trauma patients and 73% for non-traumatic patients. Responders to REBOA had a significantly lower rate of mortality at both 24 h and 30 days.

Conclusions

Our clinical data and experience show that the ER-REBOA™ catheter can be used for control of hemodynamic instability and to significantly increase SBP in both traumatic and non-traumatic cases, with relatively few complications. Responders to REBOA have a significantly lower rate of mortality.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for thoracic trauma: A translational swine study

Noncompressible torso hemorrhage in trauma is particularly lethal. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has the potential to stabilize these patients, but currently is contraindicated for major thoracic bleeding. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of REBOA on the hemodynamic and metabolic profile as well as its effect on early survival in a porcine model of thoracic hemorrhage and shock.

METHODS

Forty-eight male Yorkshire swine (60-80 kg) underwent 30% hemorrhage and were randomized to three thoracic injuries, with and without zone 1 REBOA occlusion: pulmonary parenchymal injury, thoracic venous injury, or subclavian artery injury. Following hemorrhage, thoracic injuries were induced (time of major thoracic injury) and allowed to bleed freely. The REBOA groups had zone 1 occlusion after the thoracic injury, with deflation at the end of prehospital. All groups had whole blood resuscitation at the end of prehospital and were euthanized at end of the hospital care phase. Survival, total blood loss, mean arterial pressure, end-tidal CO2, and arterial blood gas parameters were analyzed. Statistical significance was determined by t tests and two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The use of REBOA improved the hemodynamics in all three injury patterns, with no differences observed in the outcomes of short-term survival and thoracic blood loss between the REBOA and non-REBOA groups. All groups showed equivalent changes in markers of shock (pH, HCO3, and base excess) prior to resuscitation.

CONCLUSION

In this animal study of hemorrhage and major thoracic bleeding, the addition of zone 1 REBOA did not significantly affect short-term survival or blood loss, while providing hemodynamic stabilization. Therefore, in noncompressible thoracic bleeding, without immediate surgical capability, long-term outcomes may be improved with REBOA, and thoracic hemorrhage should not be considered contraindications to REBOA use.

Temporal Changes in REBOA Utilization Practices are Associated With Increased Survival: an Analysis of the AORTA Registry

BACKGROUND

Aortic occlusion (AO) is utilized for patients in extremis, with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) use increasing. Our objective was to examine changes in AO practices and outcomes over time. The primary outcome was the temporal variation in AO mortality, while secondary outcomes included changes in technique, utilization, and complications.

STUDY DESIGN

This study examined the AORTA registry over a 5-year period (2014-2018). AO outcomes and utilization were analyzed using year of procedure as an independent variable. A multivariable model adjusting for year of procedure, signs of life (SOL), SBP at AO initiation, operator level, timing of AO, and hemodynamic response to AO was created to analyze AO mortality.

RESULTS

One thousand four hundred fifty-eight AO were included. Mean age (39.1 ± 16.7) and median ISS (34[25,49]) were comparable between REBOA and open AO. Open AO patients were more likely: male (84% vs. 77%, P = 0.001), s/p penetrating trauma (61% vs. 19%, P < 0.001), and arrived without SOL (60% vs. 40%, P = 0.001). REBOA use increased significantly and adjusted mortality decreased 22%/year while open AO survival was unchanged. REBOA initiation SBP increased significantly over the study period (52.2 vs. 65, P = 0.04). Compared with patients undergoing AO with CPR, each decile increase in SBP improved survival 12% (AOR 1.12, adj P = 0.001). The use of 7F REBOA (2.9%-54.8%) and Zone III deployment increased significantly (14.7% vs 40.6%), with Zone III placement having decreased associated mortality (AOR 0.33, adj P = 0.001). Overall REBOA complication rate was 4.5% and did not increase over time (P = 0.575).

CONCLUSIONS

REBOA survival has increased significantly while open AO survival remained unchanged. This may be related to lower thresholds for REBOA insertion at higher blood pressures, increased operator experience, and improved catheter technology leading to earlier deployment.

Emergency Management of Pelvic Bleeding

Pelvic trauma continues to have a high mortality rate despite damage control techniques for bleeding control. The aim of our study was to evaluate how Extra-peritoneal Pelvic Packing (EPP) and Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) impact the efficacy on mortality and hemodynamic impact. We retrospectively evaluated patients who sustained blunt trauma, pelvic fracture and hemodynamic instability from 2002 to 2018. We excluded a concomitant severe brain injury, resuscitative thoracotomy, penetrating trauma and age below 14 years old. The study population was divided in EPP and REBOA Zone III group. Propensity score matching was used to adjust baseline differences and then a one-to-one matched analysis was performed. We selected 83 patients, 10 for group: survival rate was higher in EPP group, but not significantly in each outcome we analyzed (24 h, 7 day, overall). EPP had a significant increase in main arterial pressure after procedure (+20.13 mmHg, p < 0.001), but this was not as great as the improvement seen in the REBOA group (+45.10 mmHg, p < 0.001). EPP and REBOA are effective and improve hemodynamic status: both are reasonable first steps in a multidisciplinary management. Zone I REBOA may be useful in patients ‘in extremis condition’ with multiple sites of torso hemorrhage, particularly those in extremis.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for thoracic trauma in the setting of platelet dysfunction: A translational swine study

BACKGROUND

In patients with noncompressible torso hemorrhage, antiplatelet medications may lead to worse outcomes. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) may potentially stabilize these patients, but currently, major thoracic bleeding is a contraindication. The goal of this study was to determine if REBOA use for shock with major thoracic bleeding has worse outcomes in the setting of platelet dysfunction (PD).

METHODS

Forty-one male Yorkshire swine (60-80 kg) underwent a 30% hemorrhage and then were randomized to three thoracic injuries, with and without zone 1 REBOA occlusion: pulmonary parenchymal injury (PI), thoracic venous injury (VI), or subclavian artery injury (AI). All animals were given aspirin to produce PD. Following hemorrhage, thoracic injuries were induced (T0) and allowed to bleed freely. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta groups had zone 1 occlusion, with deflation at T30. All groups received whole blood resuscitation at T30 and were euthanized at T90. Survival, total blood loss, hemodynamics, and arterial blood gas parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

The PD-VI-REBOA group had 87.5% survival where PD-VI survival was 28.6%. No difference in survival was seen in the PI or AI groups. The PD-VI-REBOA group had total blood loss of 575.0 ± 339.1 mL, which was less than the PD-VI group (1,086.0 ± 532.1 mL). There was no difference in total thoracic blood loss in the PI and AI groups with the addition of REBOA. All groups showed an equivalent decrease in HCO3 and base excess and increase in lactate at the end of the 30-minute prehospital phase.

CONCLUSION

In this study, zone 1 REBOA improved survival and decreased blood loss with major VI, where no differences were seen in parenchymal and subclavian artery injuries. For thoracic bleeding without surgical capability, outcomes may be improved with REBOA, and these findings challenge current guidelines stating the contraindication of REBOA use in this setting.

Damage control resuscitation: REBOA as the new fourth pillar

Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) seeks to combat metabolic decompensation of the severely injured trauma patient by battling on three major fronts: Permissive Hypotension, Hemostatic Resuscitation, and Damage Control Surgery (DCS). The aim of this article is to perform a review of the history of DCR/DCS and to propose a new paradigm that has emerged from the recent advancements in endovascular technology: The Resuscitative Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA). Thanks to the advances in technology, a bridge has been created between Pre-hospital Management and the Control of Bleeding described in Stage I of DCS which is the inclusion and placement of a REBOA. We have been able to show that REBOA is not only a tool that aids in the control of hemorrhage, it is also a vital tool in the hemodynamic resuscitation of a severely injured blunt and/or penetrating trauma patient. That is why we propose a new paradigm “The Fourth Pillar”: Permissive Hypotension, Hemostatic Resuscitation, Damage Control Surgery and REBOA.

The REBOA Dissipation Curve: Training Starts to Wane at 6 Months in the Absence of Clinical REBOA Cases

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a low-frequency, high-acuity intervention. We hypothesized that REBOA-specific knowledge and comfort deteriorate significantly within 6 months of a formal training course if REBOA is not performed in the interim.

METHODS

A comprehensive REBOA course was developed including didactics and hands-on practical simulation training. Baseline knowledge and comfort were assessed with a precourse objective test and a subjective self-assessment. REBOA knowledge and comfort were then re-assessed immediately postcourse and again at 6 months and 1 year. Performance trends were measured using paired Student's t and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

Thirteen participants were evaluated including trauma faculty (n = 10) and fellows (n = 3). Test scores improved significantly from precourse (72% ± 10% correct) to postcourse (88% ± 8%, p < 0.001). At 6 months, scores remained no different from postcourse (p = 0.126); at 1 year, scores decreased back to baseline (p = 0.024 from postcourse; 0.285 from precourse). Subjective comfort with femoral arterial line placement and REBOA improved with training (p = 0.044 and 0.003, respectively). Femoral arterial line comfort remained unchanged from postcourse at 6 months (p = 0.898) and 1 year (p = 0.158). However, subjective comfort with REBOA decreased relative to postcourse levels at 6 months (p = 0.009), driven primarily by participants with no clinical REBOA cases in the interim.

CONCLUSIONS

A formal REBOA curriculum improves knowledge and comfort with critical aspects of this procedure. This knowledge persists at 6 months, though subjective comfort deteriorated among those without REBOA placement in the interim. REBOA refresher training should be considered at 6-month intervals in the absence of clinical REBOA cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/STUDY TYPE

Level III, prognostic.