Intraoperative combination of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta and a median sternotomy in hemodynamically unstable patients with penetrating chest trauma: Is this feasible?

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta: What You Need to Know

ABSTRACT

Hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of death from traumatic injury in both the civilian and military populations. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a minimally invasive technique that can be used to treat hemorrhage in the critically ill. An alternative to maximally invasive methods such as resuscitative thoracotomy, REBOA is a temporizing measure to prevent exsanguination and allow for transition to definitive hemorrhage control. It is easily deployed by trained users and does not require surgical expertise to place. Its use has increased over the past decade with a growing body of literature that suggests it improves outcomes in select hemorrhagic trauma patients compared with patients who do not receive REBOA. REBOA has also been used for select nontraumatic cases. Judicious patient selection, knowing the technical aspects of placing REBOA, and clarity regarding its indications are key to maximize its efficacy as a mitigatory tool in hemorrhagic shock. This "What You Need To Know" review presents current evidence regarding use of REBOA for the acute care surgeon.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in a multidisciplinary approach for management of traumatic haemorrhagic shock: 10-year retrospective experience from a French level 1 trauma centre

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated an institutional multidisciplinary strategy for managing traumatic haemorrhagic shock by integrating the placement of REBOA (resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta) by anaesthesiologist-intensivists.

METHODS

All severe trauma patients who received percutaneous REBOA placement between January 2013 and December 2022 in our level 1 trauma centre were retrospectively analysed. The data collected included the clinical context, indications and location of REBOA, durations of aortic occlusion (AO), choice of haemostatic procedures and surgical teams, and specific complications.

RESULTS

In total, 38 trauma patients were included in the present study (mean age = 41 years [standard deviation = 21 years], 31 [82 %] were male, and median injury severity score was 62.5 [inter-quartile range (IQR) = 45-75]). REBOA was always placed by anaesthesiologist-intensivists, who comprised 68 % of the senior physicians (13/19) in our trauma team over the period. Twenty-eight AOs (74 %) were performed in zone 1 and 10 (26 %) in zone 3. Twelve patients (32 %) received REBOA upon circulatory arrest. Routes following REBOA placement comprised: computed tomography scan = 47 %, operating room = 34 %, angiography = 3 %, emergency room thoracotomy = 5 %, and prematurely died = 11 %. Duration of AO was 38 min (IQR = 32-44 min) in zone 1 and 78 min (IQR = 48-112 min) in zone 3. Mortality rate was 66 % (95 % CI 51-81 %) and higher in cases of AO in zone 1 (79 % versus 30 %, p = 0.018) or concomitant with circulatory arrest (92 % versus 54 %, p = 0.047). No ischemic limb needed an intervention and three endothelial injuries required delayed endovascular stenting.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous REBOA placement by anaesthesiologist-intensivists included in the multidisciplinary management of traumatic haemorrhagic shock was associated with acceptable time of AO and local complications similar to those observed in other series.

Damage control thoracic surgery: What you need to know

ABSTRACT

Damage control surgery in trauma prioritizes patient stabilization through an initial temporizing surgical approach to rapidly control hemorrhage and contamination, minimizing intraoperative time to allow for resuscitation and the correction of hypothermia, coagulopathy, and acidosis in the intensive care unit. This is followed by definitive repair of injuries once physiological parameters have improved. While damage control techniques for traumatic intra-abdominal and extremity injuries are well established and frequently utilized, the same cannot be said for damage control thoracic surgery. The complexity of thoracic injuries, the intricate decision making process, the level of surgical expertise required, and potential complications make damage control thoracic surgery particularly challenging. However, advances in surgical techniques, improvements in perioperative care, and the emergence of adjuncts such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation have significantly enhanced decision making and underscored the importance of timely and decisive intervention in damage control thoracic surgery to optimize patient outcomes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of damage control thoracic surgery, detailing the principles, indications, operative techniques, perioperative management, and the integration of advanced therapies to improve outcomes in patients with severe thoracic injuries.

Non-compressible truncal and junctional hemorrhage: A retrospective analysis quantifying potential indications for advanced bleeding control in Dutch trauma centers

BACKGROUND

Truncal and junctional hemorrhage is the leading cause of potentially preventable deaths in trauma patients. To reduce this mortality, the application of advanced bleeding control techniques, such as resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), junctional tourniquets, Foley catheters, or hemostatic agents should be optimized. This study aimed to identify trauma patients with non-compressible truncal and junctional hemorrhage (NCTJH) who might benefit from advanced bleeding control techniques during initial trauma care. We hypothesized that there is a substantial cohort of Dutch trauma patients that can possibly benefit from advanced bleeding control techniques.

METHODS

Adult trauma patients with an Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥3 in the torso, neck, axilla, or groin region, who were presented between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2018 to two Dutch level-1 trauma centers, were identified from the Dutch Trauma Registry. Potential indications for advanced bleeding control in patients with NCTJH were assessed by an expert panel of three trauma surgeons based on injury characteristics, vital signs, response to resuscitation, and received treatment.

RESULTS

In total, 1719 patients were identified of whom 249 (14.5 %) suffered from NCTJH. In 153 patients (60.6 %), hemorrhagic shock could have been mitigated or prevented with advanced bleeding control techniques. This group was younger and more heavily injured: median age of 40 versus 48 years and median ISS 33 versus 22 as compared to the entire cohort. The mortality rate in these patients was 31.8 %. On average, each of the included level-1 trauma centers treated an NCTJH patient every 24 days in whom a form of advanced bleeding control could have been beneficial.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of included Dutch trauma patients with NCTJH may benefit from in-hospital application of advanced bleeding control techniques, such as REBOA, during initial trauma care. Widespread implementation of these techniques in the Dutch trauma system may contribute to reduction of mortality and morbidity from non-compressible truncal and junctional hemorrhage.

Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for anaesthetists in thoracic trauma: an evidence-based review

Anaesthetists play an important role in the evaluation and treatment of patients with signs of thoracic trauma. Anaesthesia involvement can provide valuable input using both advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Commonly performed interventions may be complicated in this setting including airway management, damage control resuscitation, and acute pain management. Anaesthetists must consider additional factors including airway injuries, vascular injuries, and coagulopathy when treating this population. This evidence-based review discusses traumatic thoracic injuries with a focus on new interventions and modern anaesthesia techniques. This review further serves to support the early involvement of anaesthetists in the emergency department and other areas where they can provide value to the trauma care pathway.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in Penetrating Trauma

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) achieves temporary hemorrhage control via aortic occlusion. Existing REBOA literature focuses on blunt trauma without a clearly defined role in penetrating trauma. This study compared clinical/injury data and outcomes after REBOA in penetrating vs blunt trauma.

STUDY DESIGN

All patients in the Aortic Occlusion for Resuscitation in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery (AORTA) database, an observational American Association for the Surgery of Trauma dataset of trauma patients requiring aortic occlusion, who underwent REBOA were included (January 2014 through February 2021). Study groups were defined by mechanism: penetrating vs blunt. Subgroup analysis was performed of patients arriving with vital signs. Univariable/multivariable analyses compared injuries and outcomes.

RESULTS

Seven hundred fifty-nine patients underwent REBOA: 152 (20%) penetrating and 607 (80%) blunt. Patients undergoing penetrating REBOA were less severely injured (injury severity score 25 vs 34; p < 0.001). The most common hemorrhage source was abdominal in penetrating REBOA (79%) and pelvic in blunt REBOA (31%; p = 0.002). Penetrating REBOA was more likely to occur in the operating room (36% vs 17%) and less likely in the emergency department (63% vs 81%; p < 0.001). Penetrating REBOA used more zone I balloon deployment (76% vs 64%) and less zone III (19% vs 34%; p = 0.001). Improved or stabilized hemodynamics were less frequent after penetrating REBOA (41% vs 62%, p < 0.001; 23% vs 41%, p < 0.001). On subgroup analysis of patients arriving alive, improvement or stabilization in hemodynamics was similar between groups (87% vs 86%, p = 0.388; 77% vs 72%, p = 0.273). Penetrating REBOA was not independently associated with mortality (odds ratio 1.253; p = 0.776).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite lower injury severity, REBOA was significantly less likely to improve or stabilize hemodynamics after penetrating trauma. Among patients arriving alive, however, outcomes were comparable, suggesting that penetrating REBOA may be most beneficial among patients with vital signs. Because hemorrhage source, catheter insertion setting, and deployment zone varied significantly between groups, existing blunt REBOA data may not be appropriately extrapolated to penetrating trauma. Further study of REBOA as a means of aortic occlusion in penetrating trauma is needed.

The Colombian Experience in Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA): The Progression From a Large Caliber to a Low-Profile Device at a Level I Trauma Center

PURPOSE

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) is now performed in many trauma centers, it is used at more than 250 hospitals in the United States and there is an increase rate of publications with the experience in these centers, but there is a gap of knowledge regarding the use of REBOA in Latin-America. This paper endeavors to describe the utilization of REBOA at a high level Latin-American Trauma Center and the transition from a large caliber to a low-profile device with the concomitant reduction in the groin access complications.

METHODS

A prospective, observational, single-center study was conducted. We included all trauma patients who underwent REBOA. We recorded data from admission parameters, complications, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were included. Most of the REBOA catheters were inserted in the operating room [47 (94%)], and the arterial access was done by surgical cutdown [40 (80%)]. All the complications were associated with the catheter of 11 Fr Sheath used in 36 patients [n = 8/36 (22%) vs. n = 0/14 (0%); P = 0.05].

CONCLUSION

REBOA can be used safely in blunt or penetrating thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic trauma. The insertion of a 7 Fr Sheath was associated with lower complications, so its use should be preferred over larger calibers.

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.

Damage control in the emergency department, a bridge to life

Patients with hemodynamic instability have a sustained systolic blood pressure less or equal to 90 mmHg, a heart rate greater or equal to 120 beats per minute and an acute compromise of the ventilation/oxygenation ratio and/or an altered state of consciousness upon admission. These patients have higher mortality rates due to massive hemorrhage, airway injury and/or impaired ventilation. Damage control resuscitation is a systematic approach that aims to limit physiologic deterioration through strategies that address the physiologic debt of trauma. This article aims to describe the experience earned by the Trauma and Emergency Surgery Group (CTE) of Cali, Colombia in the management of the severely injured trauma patient in the emergency department following the basic principles of damage control surgery. Since bleeding is the main cause of death, the management of the severely injured trauma patient in the emergency department requires a multidisciplinary team that performs damage control maneuvers aimed at rapidly controlling bleeding, hemostatic resuscitation, and/or prompt transfer to the operating room, if required.

Hemodynamically unstable non-compressible penetrating torso trauma: a practical surgical approach

Penetrating torso trauma is the second leading cause of death following head injury. Traffic accidents, falls and overall blunt trauma are the most common mechanism of injuries in developed countries; whereas, penetrating trauma which includes gunshot and stabs wounds is more prevalent in developing countries due to ongoing violence and social unrest. Penetrating chest and abdominal trauma have high mortality rates at the scene of the incident when important structures such as the heart, great vessels, or liver are involved. Current controversies surround the optimal surgical approach of these cases including the use of an endovascular device such as the Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) and the timing of additional imaging aids. This article aims to shed light on this subject based on the experience earned during the past 30 years in trauma critical care management of the severely injured patient. We have found that prioritizing the fact that the patient is hemodynamically unstable and obtaining early open or endovascular occlusion of the aorta to gain ground on avoiding the development of the lethal diamond is of utmost importance. Damage control surgery starts with choosing the right surgery of the right cavity in the right patient. For this purpose, we present a practical and simple guide on how to perform the surgical approach to penetrating torso trauma in a hemodynamically unstable patient.

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.

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 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.

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 in Penetrating Liver Trauma: Fear of the Unknown

The liver is the most commonly affected solid organ in cases of abdominal trauma. Management of penetrating liver trauma is a challenge for surgeons but with the introduction of the concept of damage control surgery accompanied by significant technological advancements in radiologic imaging and endovascular techniques, the focus on treatment has changed significantly. The use of immediately accessible computed tomography as an integral tool for trauma evaluations for the precise staging of liver trauma has significantly increased the incidence of conservative non-operative management in hemodynamically stable trauma victims with liver injuries. However, complex liver injuries accompanied by hemodynamic instability are still associated with high mortality rates due to ongoing hemorrhage. The aim of this article is to perform an extensive review of the literature and to propose a management algorithm for hemodynamically unstable patients with penetrating liver injury, via an expert consensus. It is important to establish a multidisciplinary approach towards the management of patients with penetrating liver trauma and hemodynamic instability. The appropriate triage of these patients, the early activation of an institutional massive transfusion protocol, and the early control of hemorrhage are essential landmarks in lowering the overall mortality of these severely injured patients. To fear is to fear the unknown, and with the management algorithm proposed in this manuscript, we aim to shed light on the unknown regarding the management of the patient with a severely injured liver.

REBOA as a New Damage Control Component in Hemodynamically Unstable Noncompressible Torso Hemorrhage Patients

Noncompressible torso hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. An efficient and appropriate evaluation of the trauma patient with ongoing hemorrhage is essential to avoid the development of the lethal diamond (hypothermia, coagulopathy, hypocalcemia, and acidosis). Currently, the initial management strategies include permissive hypotension, hemostatic resuscitation, and damage control surgery. However, recent advances in technology have opened the doors to a wide variety of endovascular techniques that achieve these goals with minimal morbidity and limited access. An example of such advances has been the introduction of the Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA), which has received great interest among trauma surgeons around the world due to its potential and versatility in areas such as trauma, gynecology & obstetrics and gastroenterology. This article aims to describe the experience earned in the use of REBOA in noncompressible torso hemorrhage patients. Our results show that REBOA can be used as a new component in the damage control resuscitation of the severely injured trauma patient. To this end, we propose two new deployment algorithms for hemodynamically unstable noncompressible torso hemorrhage patients: one for blunt and another for penetrating trauma. We acknowledge that REBOA has its limitations, which include a steep learning curve, its inherent cost and availability. Although to reach the best outcomes with this new technology, it must be used in the right way, by the right surgeon with the right training and to the right patient.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in a swine model of hemorrhagic shock and blunt thoracic injury

PURPOSE

While resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is contraindicated in patients with aortic injuries, this technique may benefit poly-trauma patients with less extreme thoracic injuries. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of thoracic injury on hemodynamics during REBOA and the changes in pulmonary contusion over time in a swine model.

METHODS

Twelve swine were anesthetized, instrumented, and randomized to receive either a thoracic injury with 5 impacts to the chest or no injury. All animals underwent controlled hemorrhage of 25% blood volume followed by 45 min of Zone 1 REBOA. Animals were then resuscitated with shed blood, observed during a critical care period, and euthanized after 6 h of total experimental time.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the groups at baseline. The only difference after 6 h was a lower hemoglobin in the thoracic trauma group (8.4 ± 0.8 versus 9.4 ± 0.6 g/dL, P = 0.04). The average proximal mean arterial pressures were significantly lower in the thoracic trauma group during aortic occlusion [103 (98-108) versus 117 (115-124) mmHg, P = 0.04]. There were no differences between the pulmonary contusion before REBOA and at the end of the experiment in size (402 ± 263 versus 356 ± 291 mL, P = 0.782) or density (- 406 ± 127 versus - 299 ± 175 HFU, P = 0.256).

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic trauma blunted the proximal arterial pressure augmentation during REBOA but had minimal impacts on resuscitative outcomes. This initial study indicates that REBOA does not seem to exacerbate pulmonary contusion in swine, but blunt thoracic injuries may attenuate the expected rises in proximal blood pressure during REBOA.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon of the aorta is feasible in penetrating chest trauma with major hemorrhage: Proposal of a new institutional deployment algorithm

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is an emerging option for hemorrhage control, but its use is limited in scenarios such as penetrating chest trauma. The aim of this study was to describe the use of REBOA as a resuscitative adjunct in these cases with major hemorrhage and to propose a new clinical management algorithm.

METHODS

This was a prospective, observational study conducted at a single Level I trauma center in Colombia. We included all patients older than 14 years with severe trauma who underwent REBOA from January 2015 to December 2019. Patients received REBOA if they were in hemorrhagic shock and were unresponsive to resuscitation.

RESULTS

A total of 56 patients underwent REBOA placement of which 37 had penetrating trauma and 23 had chest trauma. All patients were hemodynamically unstable upon arrival to the emergency department, with a median systolic blood pressure of 69 mm Hg (interquartile range [IQR], 57-90 mm Hg) and median Injury Severity Score was 25 (IQR, 25-41). All REBOAs were deployed and inflated in zone 1, median inflation time was 40 minutes (IQR, 26-55 minutes), and no adverse neurologic outcomes were observed. Fifteen patients had REBOA and a median sternotomy. Eleven patients had concomitant abdominal wounds. Overall mortality was 28.6%, and there was no significant difference between penetrating versus blunt trauma patients (21.6% vs. 42.1%, p = 0.11). The survival rate of thoracic injured patients was similar to the predicted survival (65.2% vs. 63.3%).

CONCLUSION

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta can be used safely in penetrating chest trauma, and the implementation of a REBOA management algorithm is feasible with a well-trained multidisciplinary team.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, level V.

Minimizing surgical blood loss at cesarean hysterectomy for placenta previa with evidence of placenta increta or placenta percreta: the state of play in 2020

The evolution of multidisciplinary team-based care for women with placenta accreta spectrum disorder has delivered stepwise improvements in clinical outcomes. Central to this overall goal is the ability to limit blood loss at surgery. Placement of inflatable balloons within the pelvic arteries, most commonly in the anterior divisions of the internal iliac arteries, became popular in many centers, at the expense of prolonging surgical care and with attendant risks of vascular injury. In tandem, the need to expose pelvic sidewall anatomy to safely identify the course of the ureters re-popularized the alternative strategy of ligating the same anterior divisions of the internal iliac arteries. With incremental gains in surgical expertise, described in 5 steps in this review, our teams have witnessed a steady decline in surgical blood loss. Nevertheless, a subset of women has the most severe form of placenta accreta spectrum, namely placenta previa-percreta. Such women are at risk of major hemorrhage during surgery from vessels arising outside the territories of the internal iliac arteries. These additional blood supplies, mostly from the external iliac arteries, pose significant risks of major blood loss even in experienced hands. To address this risk, some centers, principally in China, have adopted an approach of routinely placing an infrarenal aortic balloon, with both impressively low rates of blood loss and an ability to conserve the uterus by resecting the placenta with the affected portion of the uterine wall. We review these literature developments in the context of safely performing elective cesarean hysterectomy for placenta previa-percreta, the most severe placenta accreta spectrum disorder.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta may contribute to improved survival

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is an increasingly used trauma resuscitation procedure, however, there are no reports of whether or not the survival of patients treated with REBOA increases over time.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study from a nationwide trauma registry in Japan was conducted between 2004 and 2015. Patients treated with REBOA were divided into three calendar year periods: early-period (2004-2007), mid-period (2008-2011), and late-period (2012-2015). The primary outcome of in-hospital survival was compared between the periods (early-period: reference) using mixed effects logistic regression analysis after adjustment for characteristics, trauma severity, and therapeutic choices.

RESULTS

Of 236,698 trauma patients, 633 patients treated with REBOA were analyzed. Distribution of the patients across periods was as follows: early-period (91), mid-period (276), and late-period (266). In-hospital survival was 39, 49, and 60% in the early-period, mid-period, and late-period, respectively. In regression modeling, the late-period (OR = 2.976, 95% CI = 1.615-5.482) was associated with improved in-hospital survival compared to the early-period, however, the mid-period (OR = 1.614, 95% CI = 0.898-2.904) was not associated with improved survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival of patients treated with REBOA during the late-period improved compared with survival during the early-period, after adjustment for characteristics, trauma severity, and therapeutic choices. REBOA may be one of the important factors related to progression of modern trauma treatment.

Association of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) and mortality in penetrating trauma patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of REBOA and mortality in a group of patients with penetrating trauma to the torso, treated in a level-I trauma center from Colombia.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study, patients with penetrating trauma, requiring emergency surgery, and treated between 2014 and 2018, were included. The decision to use or not use REBOA during emergent surgery was based on individual surgeon's opinion. A propensity score (PS) was calculated after adjusting for age, clinical signs on admission (systolic blood pressure, cardiac rate, Glasgow coma scale), severe trauma in thorax and abdomen, and the presence of non-compressive torso hemorrhage. Subsequently, logistic regression for mortality was adjusted for the number of red blood cells (RBC) transfused within the first six hours after admission, injury severity score (ISS), and quintiles of PS.

RESULTS

We included 345 patients; 28 of them (8.1%) were treated with REBOA. Crude mortality rates were 17.9% (5 patients) in REBOA group and 15.3% (48 patients) in control group (p = 0.7). After controlling for RBC transfused, ISS, and the PS, the odds of death in REBOA group was 78% lower than that in the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.20, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.05-0.77, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

We found that, when compared to no REBOA use, patients treated with REBOA had lower risk-adjusted odds of mortality. These findings should be interpreted with caution and confirmed in future comparative studies, if possible.

Expanding indications and results for the use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta - REBOA

Currently, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is used in trauma surgery for controlling non-compressible torso hemorrhages, as a less invasive option and with fewer physiologic disturbances compared with an invasive emergent thoracotomy for aortic cross-clamping. This can allow improvements in hemodynamic parameters until definitive surgery is performed. REBOA is also used in trauma to prevent hemodynamic collapse in patients who are in severe hemorrhagic shock, as a method to maintain perfusion of the brain and heart while decreasing distal bleeding until hemorrhage control can take place. The major complications reported are acute kidney injury, lower leg amputations, and even death. As experience with REBOA in emergency surgery grows, new indications have been described in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the expansion of the use of REBOA in other areas of medicine, as well as evaluating the current published series. We performed an online search of PubMed, Medline and SciELO with the term "REBOA" in the last five years, and the articles included were the 14 specifically describing the use of REBOA for non-traumatic conditions. The results suggest that the use of REBOA led to improved bleeding control and increased arterial pressure, reducing blood transfusion requirements and allowing patients to survive to definitive treatment of injuries. In conclusion, the expanded use of REBOA for non-traumatic emergencies appears to be effective. However, prospective studies and well-established protocols for specific indications should be developed to maximize patient outcomes.

Estimation of fetal radiation absorbed dose during the prophylactic use of aortic occlusion balloon for abnormally invasive placenta

PURPOSE

Abnormally invasive placenta is an important cause of maternal morbidity, and its primary complication is massive bleeding. Strategies for preventing bleeding include arterial endovascular occlusion. One concern with the use of intra-arterial occlusion balloons is radiation exposure to the fetus, which occurs while determining balloon position. In this study, we sought to determine the radiation absorbed dose by the fetus during intra-aortic occlusion balloon placement in patients with abnormally invasive placenta.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We estimated the fetal absorbed dose and the entrance skin dose in the vaginal fundus and lumbar skin, respectively, using thermoluminescent dosimeter crystals, during intra-aortic balloon positioning using the mobile X-ray image intensifier system (C-arm) in digital radiography mode, directly in surgery room, without transfer to angiographic suite. We also performed a mannequin-based simulation to validate the entrance skin dose measurement technique.

RESULTS

Ten women undergoing surgical management of an abnormally invasive placenta, in whom the location of the intra-aortic occlusion balloon was verified using plain radiography with C-arm in the surgery room, were included in the study. Following maternal and fetal radiation exposure, the entrance skin dose and radiation absorbed dose by the fetus were 1.31 ± 0.96 mGy and 0.27 ± 0.28 mGy, respectively, with radiation exposure durations of <1 s.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no complications with the use of REBOA, the radiation absorbed dose by the fetus, entrance skin dose, and duration of radiation exposure during intra-aortic occlusion balloon placement were lower than those reported for other vascular occlusion techniques, being this a safe procedure.

Clinical use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in civilian trauma systems in the USA, 2019: a joint statement from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians

This is a joint statement from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians regarding the clinical use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in civilian trauma systems in the USA. This statement addresses the system of care needed to manage trauma patients requiring the use of REBOA, in light of the current evidence available in this patient population. This statement was developed by an expert panel following a comprehensive review of the literature with representation from all sponsoring organizations and the US Military. This is an update to the previous statement published in 2018. It has been formally endorsed by the four sponsoring organizations.

Thoracic trauma in military settings: a review of current practices and recommendations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine current literature on thoracic trauma related to military combat and to explore its relevance to the civilian population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Damage control resuscitation (DCR) has improved the management of hemorrhaging trauma patients. Permissive hypotension below 110 mmHg and antifibrinolytic use during DCR is widely accepted, whereas the use of freeze-dried plasma and whole blood is gaining popularity. The Modified Physiologic Triaging Tool can be used for primary triage and it may have applications in civilian trauma systems. Although Tactical Combat Casualty Care protocol recommends the Cric-Key device for surgical cricothyroidotomies, other devices may offer comparable performance. Recommendations for regional anesthesia after blunt trauma are not well defined. Increasing amounts of evidence favor the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory hypoxemia and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) for severe hemorrhage. REBOA outcomes are potentially improved by partial occlusion and small 7 Fr catheters.

SUMMARY

The Global War on Terror has provided opportunities to better understand and treat thoracic trauma in military settings. Trauma registries and other data sources have contributed to significant advancements in the management of thoracic trauma in military and civilian populations.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA): indications: advantages and challenges of implementation in traumatic non-compressible torso hemorrhage

Background

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is regaining popularity in the treatment of traumatic non-compressible torso bleeding. Advances in invasive radiology coupled with new damage control measures assisted in the refinement of the technique with promising outcomes. The literature continues to have substantial heterogeneity about REBOA indications, applications, and the challenges confronted when implementing the technique in a level I trauma center. Scoping reviews are excellent platforms to assess the diverse literature of a new technique. It is for the first time that a scoping review is adopted for this topic. Advances in invasive radiology coupled with new damage control measures assisted in the refinement of the technique with promising outcomes. The literature continues to have substantial heterogeneity about REBOA indications, applications, and the challenges confronted when implementing the technique in a level I trauma center. Scoping reviews are excellent platforms to assess the diverse literature of a new technique. It is for the first time that a scoping review is adopted for this topic.

Methods

Critical search from MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, COCHRANE CENTRAL, PUBMED and SCOPUS were conducted from the earliest available dates until March 2018. Evidence-based articles, as well as gray literature at large, were analyzed regardless of the quality of articles.

Results

We identified 1176 articles related to the topic from all available database sources and 57 reviews from the gray literature search. The final review yielded 105 articles. Quantitative and qualitative variables included patient demographics, study design, study objectives, methods of data collection, indications, REBOA protocol used, time to deployment, zone of deployment, occlusion time, complications, outcome, and the level of expertise at the concerned trauma center.

Conclusion

Growing levels of evidence support the use of REBOA in selected indications. Our data analysis showed an advantage for its use in terms of morbidities and physiologic derangement in comparison to other resuscitation measures. Current challenges remain in the selective application, implementation, competency assessment, and credentialing for the use of REBOA in trauma settings. The identification of the proper indication, terms of use, and possible advantage of the prehospital and partial REBOA are topics for further research.

Level of evidence

Level III.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta deployed by acute care surgeons in patients with morbidly adherent placenta: a feasible solution for two lives in peril

Morbidly adherent placenta (MAP), which includes accreta, increta, and percreta, is a condition characterized by the invasion of the uterine wall by placental tissue. The condition is associated with higher odds of massive post-partum hemorrhage. Several interventions have been developed to improve hemorrhage-related outcomes in these patients; however, there is no evidence to prefer any intervention over another. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is an endovascular intervention that may be useful and effective to reduce hemorrhage and transfusions in MAP patients. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the evidence for REBOA in patients with MAP. We posit that acute care surgeons can perform REBOA for patients with MAP.