Endovascular control of pelvic hemorrhage: Concomitant use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta and endovascular intervention

Organ perfusion during partial REBOA in haemorrhagic shock: dynamic 4D-CT analyses in swine

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) increases proximal blood pressure while inducing distal ischemia of visceral organs. The evaluation of distal ischemia severity during REBOA is a prerequisite for safe resuscitation of haemorrhagic shock patients with REBOA. We evaluated changes in blood flow and organ perfusion due to the degree of occlusion using dynamic 4D-computed tomography (CT). We compared the results with those of a previous study on euvolemic status. Delayed enhancement of the inferior vena cava (IVC) without retrograde flow was observed in the 4D-volume rendering images in the high-degree occlusion. The time-density curve (TDC) of the liver parenchyma (liver perfusion) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) demonstrated a decreased peak density and a delayed peak in high-degree occlusion. The change rate of the area under the TDC of the liver and SMV decreased linearly as the degree of occlusion increased (PV, Y = -1.071*X + 106.8, r² = 0.972, P = 0.0003; liver, Y = -1.050*X + 101.8, r² = 0.933, P = 0.0017; SMV, Y = -0.985*X + 100.3, r² = 0.952, P = 0.0009). Dynamic 4D-CT revealed less severe IVC congestion during P-REBOA in haemorrhagic shock than in euvolemia. Analyses of TDC of the liver and SMV revealed a linear change in organ perfusion, regardless of intravascular volume.

Inflate and pack! Pelvic packing combined with REBOA deployment prevents hemorrhage related deaths in unstable pelvic fractures

INTRODUCTION

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is advocated for hemorrhage control in pelvic fracture patients in shock. We evaluated REBOA in patients undergoing preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) for pelvic fracture-related hemorrhage.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-institution study of unstable pelvic fractures (hemodynamic instability despite 2 units of red blood cells (RBCs) and fracture identified on x-ray). Management included the placement of a Zone III REBOA in the emergency department (ED) for systolic blood pressure <80 mmHg. All PPP patients were included and analyzed for injury characteristics, transfusion requirements, outcomes and complications. Additionally, patients who received REBOA (REBOA+) were compared to those that did not (REBOA-).

RESULTS

During the study period (January 2015 - January 2019), 652 pelvic fracture patients were admitted; 78 consecutive patients underwent PPP. Median RBCs at PPP completion compared to 24 h post-packing were 11 versus 3 units (p<0.05). Median time to operation was 45 min. After PPP, 7 (9%) patients underwent angioembolization. Mortality was 14%. No mortalities were due to ongoing pelvic fracture hemorrhage or physiologic exhaustion; all were a withdrawal of life sustaining support, most commonly due to neurologic insults (TBI/fat emboli = 6, stroke/spinal cord injury = 3). REBOA+ patients (n = 31) had a significantly higher injury severity score (45 vs 38, p<0.01) and higher heart rate (130 vs 118 beats per minute, p = 0.04) than REBOA-. The systolic blood pressure, base deficit, and number of RBCs transfused in the ED, and time spent in the ED were similar between groups. REBOA+ had a higher median transfusion of RBCs at PPP completion (11 units vs 5 units, p<0.01) but similar RBC transfusion in the 24 h after PPP (2 vs 1 units, p = 0.27). Mortality, pelvic infection, and ICU length of stay was not different between these cohorts.

CONCLUSION

PPP with REBOA was utilized in more severely injured patients with greater physiologic derangements. Although REBOA patients required greater transfusion requirements, there were no deaths due to acute pelvic hemorrhage. This suggests the combination of REBOA with PPP provides life-saving hemorrhage control in otherwise devastating injuries.

Factors associated with prolonged procedure time of embolization for trauma patients

Aim

Limited information exists on the factors associated with prolonged procedural time in embolization for trauma patients. We clarified the clinical application of embolization in trauma patients and factors associated with a prolonged procedure time.

Methods

Medical records of 162 trauma patients who underwent embolization between January 2007 and December 2020 at a regional trauma care center were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into four embolized body regions: chest, abdomen, pelvis, and other. Patient demographics, trauma mechanism, physiology, trauma severity, embolization procedures, and 30‐day mortality were examined. The outcomes were identifying an embolized body region, embolized arteries, and procedure time. Multiple regression model was created to investigate the factors associated with prolonged procedural time in embolization.

Results

Embolization was mainly undertaken in pelvic fractures (n = 96, 59%) and abdominal organ injuries (n = 57, 35%) and extended to the chest (n = 17, 10%), and other (n = 20, 12%). Approximately 13% (n = 21) of patients underwent embolization in two or more regions. Embolization was more strictly performed in minor artery injuries, for example, external iliac (n = 15, 16%) and lumbar artery (n = 22, 23%) branches in pelvic fractures, and inferior phrenic artery (n = 2, 3.5%) branches in liver injuries. Multiple regression model indicated that the number of embolized arteries (P = 0.021) and number of embolized regions (P < 0.001) were associated with prolonged procedural time in embolization.

Conclusions

Embolization for trauma patients extended to various trauma regions. In time‐sensitive embolization, emergency interventional radiologists showed superior knowledge of expected embolizing arteries and factors associated with procedure time.

Splenic trauma: endovascular treatment approach

The spleen is a commonly injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma. Splenic preservation, however, is important for immune function and prevention of overwhelming infection from encapsulated organisms. Splenic artery embolization (SAE) for high-grade splenic injury has, therefore, increasingly become an important component of non-operative management (NOM). SAE decreases the blood pressure to the spleen to allow healing, but preserves splenic perfusion via robust collateral pathways. SAE can be performed proximally in the main splenic artery, more distally in specific injured branches, or a combination of both proximal and distal embolization. No definitive evidence from available data supports benefits of one strategy over the other. Particles, coils and vascular plugs are the major embolic agents used. Incorporation of SAE in the management of blunt splenic trauma has significantly improved success rates of NOM and spleen salvage. Failure rates generally increase with higher injury severity grades; however, current management results in overall spleen salvage rates of over 85%. Complication rates are low, and primarily consist of rebleeding, parenchymal infarction or abscess. Splenic immune function is felt to be preserved after embolization with no guidelines for prophylactic vaccination against encapsulated bacteria; however, a complete understanding of post-embolization immune changes remains an area in need of further investigation. This review describes the history of SAE from its inception to its current role and indications in the management of splenic trauma. The endovascular approach, technical details, and outcomes are described with relevant examples. SAE is has become an important part of a multidisciplinary strategy for management of complex trauma patients.

Novel intraperitoneal hemostasis device prolongs survival in a swine model of noncompressible abdominal hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Noncompressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH) of the abdomen is a challenge to rapidly control and treat in the prehospital and emergency department settings. In this pilot study, we developed a novel intraperitoneal hemostasis device (IPHD) prototype and evaluated its ability for slowing NCTH and prolonging survival in a porcine model of lethal abdominal multiorgan hemorrhage.

METHODS

Yorkshire male swine (N = 8) were instrumented under general anesthesia for monitoring of hemodynamics and blood sampling. Animals were subjected to a 30% controlled arterial hemorrhage followed by lacerating combinations of the liver, spleen, and kidney. The abdomen was closed and after 2 minutes of NCTH, and the IPHD was inserted into the peritoneal cavity via an introducer (n = 5). The balloon was inflated and maintained for 60 minutes. At 60 minutes postdeployment, the balloon was deflated and removed, and blood resuscitation was initiated followed by gauze packing for hemostasis. The remaining animals (n = 3) were used as controls and subjected to the same injury without intervention.

RESULTS

All animals managed with IPHD intervention (5 of 5 swine) survived the duration of the intervention period (60 minutes), while all control animals (3 of 3 swine) died at a time range of 15 to 43 minutes following organ injury (p = 0.0042). Animals receiving IPHD remained hemodynamically stable with a mean arterial pressure range of 44.86 to 55.10 mm Hg and experienced increased cardiac output and decreased shock index after treatment. Controls experienced hemodynamic decline in all parameters until endpoints were met. Upon IPHD deflation and removal, all treated animals began to hemorrhage again and expired within 2 to 132 minutes despite packing.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that the IPHD concept is capable of prolonging survival by temporarily stanching lethal NCTH of the abdomen. This device may be an effective temporary countermeasure to NCTH of the abdomen that could be deployed in the prehospital environment or as a bridge to more advanced therapy.

Practical tips for performing resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta

Background:

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in trauma settings. Non-compressible torso hemorrhage, which is caused by abdominopelvic and thoracic injuries, is an important cause of subsequent organ dysfunction and poor outcomes in multiple trauma patients. The management of hemodynamically unstable patients with non-compressible torso hemorrhage has changed, and the concept of damage control resuscitation has been developed in the last decades. Currently, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) as a method of temporary stabilization is the modern evolution of bleeding control, and it is in the middle of a paradigm shift as a treatment for non-compressible torso hemorrhage. Despite its effectiveness in patients with hemorrhagic shock, the application of REBOA remains limited because of lack of experience and troubleshooting guidelines.

Objectives:

The aim of study was to provide useful tips for the implementing a step-by-step procedure for REBOA in various hospital settings and capabilities.

Methods:

We introduced REBOA procedures using a REBOA-customized 7 Fr balloon catheter through the animation models or radiography from preparation to access, catheter management, and device removal after procedure completed.

Results:

We have described REBOA procedures as follows: identification of the common femoral artery, arterial access for placement of a guidewire, precautions during a sheath insertion, guidewire and balloon positioning in the aorta, occlusion zones and adjustment of balloon location, REBOA strategy for extending the occlusion time, balloon deflation and removal, sheath removal, and medical records.

Conclusion:

We believe that the practical tips mentioned in this article will help in performing the REBOA procedure systematically and developing an effective REBOA framework.

Organ ischemia during partial resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta: Dynamic 4D Computed tomography in swine

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) increases proximal pressure, and simultaneously induces distal ischemia. We aimed to evaluate organ ischemia during partial REBOA (P-REBOA) with computed tomography (CT) perfusion in a swine model. The maximum balloon volume was recorded as total REBOA when the distal pulse pressure ceased. The animals (n = 4) were scanned at each 20% of the maximum balloon volume, and time-density curve (TDC) were analysed at the aorta, portal vein (PV), liver parenchyma, and superior mesenteric vein (SMV, indicating mesenteric perfusion). The area under the TDC (AUTDC), the time to peak (TTP), and four-dimensional volume-rendering images (4D-VR) were evaluated. The TDC of the both upper and lower aorta showed an increased peak and delayed TTP. The TDC of the PV, liver, and SMV showed a decreased peak and delayed TTP. The dynamic 4D-CT analysis suggested that organ perfusion changes according to balloon volume. The AUTDC at the PV, liver, and SMV decreased linearly with balloon inflation percentage to the maximum volume. 4D-VR demonstrated the delay of the washout in the aorta and retrograde flow at the inferior vena cava in the highly occluded status.

Safety and efficacy of radial access in trauma in 65 trauma endovascular cases

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular techniques in trauma surgery are becoming increasingly important in patient management, with procedures such as pelvic and splenic angioembolization becoming the standard of care for certain injuries. Traditionally, such interventions are performed via femoral access, although the morbidity of this approach is not insignificant (3%-10%). Transradial access (TRA) is an attractive alternative, pioneered by cardiologists, with low rates of access site complications in patients undergoing coronary intervention. Recently, this technology has extended to other interventions. The aim of this study was to present the initial experience of a radial program in a busy trauma center, with specific regard to safety and complications.

METHODS

The medical records of trauma patients undergoing endovascular procedures via TRA between March 2018 and December 2018 were queried for procedural and postoperative data. Demography and injury characteristics were presented for the overall cohort, followed by a comparison of procedural data and complications between laterality. Continuous variables were compared using a two-tailed t-test and categorical variables were compared using a χ² test.

RESULTS

Over a 9-month period, 65 patients underwent 81 interventions via TRA, most commonly solid organ or pelvic angiography/embolization. Radial artery access was achieved in all patients, with procedural success achieved in all but two patients (n = 63 [96.9%]) who had hypoplastic radial artery anatomy, who underwent ulnar access. The overall technique-related complication rate was 1.5% with no difference observed between laterality (n = 1; P = .523). One patient with an admission Glasgow Coma Score of 3 and coagulopathy developed radial artery thrombosis after pelvic angiography via right TRA. Mortality was seen in seven patients (10.8%) owing to hemorrhagic shock (n = 3 [42.8%]) or multiorgan failure (n = 4 [57.1%]). There were no cases of postprocedural access site bleeding, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, vascular injury, intraoperative arrhythmia or cerebrovascular accident, arteriovenous fistula formation, or infection.

CONCLUSIONS

TRA is a feasible and low-risk alternative for endovascular intervention in the trauma patient. It yields good technical success with low morbidity. Although larger studies are needed to establish the full efficacy of TRA at the multi-institutional level, this single-institution study demonstrates the legitimacy of an alternative means for endovascular intervention in the trauma patient.

Technical limitations of REBOA in a patient with exsanguinating pelvic crush trauma: a case report

Background

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is an effective adjunct in hemodynamic unstable patients with uncontrolled and non-compressible torso hemorrhage promoting temporary stability during injury repair. The aim of our study was to analyze real life usability of REBOA based on a case report and to review the literature with respect to its possibilities and limitations.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 17-years old female patient who sustained a severe roll-over trauma and pelvic crush injury as a bicyclist by a truck. Upon arrival of the first responders, the patient was awake, alert, and following commands.Subsequent to lifting the truck, the patient became hypotensive and required cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of a pelvic binder, and endotracheal intubation at the accident scene. She was then admitted by ambulance to our trauma center under ongoing resuscitative measures. After primary survey, it was decided to perform a REBOA with surgical approach to the left femoral artery. Initial insertion of the catheter was successful but could not be advanced beyond the inguinal region. Hence, the patient was transferred to the operating room (OR) but died despite maximum therapy. In the OR and later autopsy, we found a long-distance ruptured and dehiscent external iliac artery with massive bleeding into the pelvis in the context of a bilateral vertical shear fractured pelvic bone.

Conclusion

REBOA can be a useful adjunct but there is a major limitation with potential vascular injury after pelvic trauma. In these situations, cross-clamping the proximal aorta or pre-peritoneal pelvic packing as "traditional" approaches of hemorrhage control during resuscitation may be the most considerable methods for temporary stabilization in severely injured trauma patients. More clinical and cadaveric studies are needed to further understand indications and limitations of REBOA after severe pelvic trauma.