Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta: Principles, Initial Clinical Experience, and Considerations for the Anesthesiologist

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.

Prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon occlusion for patients with pernicious placenta previa: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Pernicious placenta previa (PPP) can increase the risk of perioperative complications. During caesarean section in patients with adherent placenta, intraoperative blood loss, hysterectomy rate and transfusion could be reduced by interventional methods. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of maternal hemodynamics control and neonatal outcomes of prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon (PTAAB) occlusion for patients with pernicious placenta previa.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study using data from the Peking University People's Hospital from January 2014 through January 2020. Clinical records of pregnant women undergoing cesarean section were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: treatment with PTAAB placement (group A) and no balloon placement (group B). Group A was further broken down into two groups: prophylactic placement (Group C) and balloon occlusion (group D).

RESULTS

Clinical records of 33 cases from 5205 pregnant women underwent cesarean section were collected. The number of groups A, B, C, and D were 17, 16, 5 and 12.We found that a significant difference in the post-operative uterine artery embolism rates between group A and group B (0% vs.31.3%, p = 0.018). There was a significant difference in the Apgar scores at first minute between group A and group B (8.94 ± 1.43 vs 9.81 ± 0.75,p = 0.037),and the same significant difference between two groups in the pre-operative central placenta previa (29.4% vs. 0%,p = 0.044), complete placenta previa (58.8% vs 18.8%, p = 0.032),placenta implantation (76.5% vs 31.3%, p = 0.015). We could also observe the significant difference in the amount of blood cell (2.80 ± 2.68vs.10.66 ± 11.97, p = 0.038) and blood plasma transfusion (280.00 ± 268.32 vs. 1033.33 ± 1098.20, p = 0.044) between group C and group D. The significant differences in the preoperative vaginal bleeding conditions (0% vs 75%, p = 0.009), the intraoperative application rates of vasopressors (0% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) and the postoperative ICU (intensive care unit) admission rates (0% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) were also kept.

CONCLUSIONS

PTAAB occlusion could be useful in reducing the rate of post-operative uterine artery embolism and the amount of transfusion, and be useful in coping with patients with preoperative vaginal bleeding conditions, so as to reduce the rate of intraoperative applications of vasopressors and the postoperative ICU (intensive care unit) admission. In PPP patients with placenta implantation, central placenta previa and complete placenta previa, we advocate the utilization of prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon placement.

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.

Reperfusion repercussions: A review of the metabolic derangements following resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta

BACKGROUND

Current resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) literature focuses on improving outcomes through careful patient selection, diligent catheter placement, and expeditious definitive hemorrhage control. However, the detection and treatment of post-REBOA ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains an area for potential improvement. Herein, we provide a review of the metabolic derangements that we have encountered while managing post-REBOA IRI in past swine experiments. We also provide data-driven clinical recommendations to facilitate resuscitation post-REBOA deflation that may be translatable to humans.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the laboratory data from 25 swine across three varying hemorrhagic shock models that were subjected to complete REBOA of either 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes. In each model the balloon was deflated gradually following definitive hemorrhage control. Animals were then subjected to whole blood transfusion and critical care with frequent electrolyte monitoring and treatment of derangements as necessary.

RESULTS

Plasma lactate peaked and pH nadired long after balloon deflation in all swine in the 45-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute occlusion models (onset of peak lactate, 32.9 ± 6.35 minutes, 38.8 ± 10.55 minutes, and 49.5 ± 6.5 minutes; pH nadir, 4.3 ± 0.72 minutes, 26.9 ± 12.32 minutes, and 42 ± 7.45 minutes after balloon deflation in the 45-, 60-, and 90-minute occlusion models, respectively). All models displayed persistent hypoglycemia for more than an hour following reperfusion (92.1 ± 105.5 minutes, 125 ± 114.9 minutes, and 96 ± 97.8 minutes after balloon deflation in the 45-, 60-, and 90-minute occlusion groups, respectively). Hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia occurred in all three groups, with some animals requiring treatment more than an hour after reperfusion.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic derangements resulting from REBOA use are common and may worsen long after reperfusion despite resuscitation. Vigilance is required to detect and proactively manage REBOA-associated IRI. Maintaining a readily available "deflation kit" of pharmacological agents needed to treat common post-REBOA electrolyte abnormalities may facilitate management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Obstetric Hemorrhage

Peripartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Anesthesiologists must be familiar with conditions associated with hemorrhage that are unique to labor and delivery and not seen elsewhere in their practice. Regardless of etiology, early recognition and timely treatment of obstetric hemorrhage is necessary to prevent significant blood loss. Massive transfusion protocols are crucial to successful resuscitation, and providers should also consider use of cell salvage, uterine artery embolization, and anti-fibrinolytics. Because more than half the deaths due to hemorrhage are preventable, multidisciplinary care bundles should be used on every labor and delivery unit.

Intraoperative Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest in the operating room and in the immediate postoperative period is a potentially catastrophic event that is almost always witnessed and is frequently anticipated. Perioperative crises and perioperative cardiac arrest, although often catastrophic, are frequently managed in a timely and directed manner because practitioners have a deep knowledge of the patient's medical condition and details of recent procedures. It is hoped that the approaches described here, along with approaches for the rapid identification and management of specific high-stakes clinical scenarios, will help anesthesiologists continue to improve patient outcomes.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta vs Pre-Peritoneal Packing in Patients with Pelvic Fracture

BACKGROUND

Pelvic hemorrhage is potentially lethal despite homeostatic interventions such as pre-peritoneal packing (PP), resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), surgery, and/or angioembolization. REBOA may be used as an alternative/adjunct to PP for temporizing bleeding in patients with pelvic fractures. Our study aimed to compare the outcomes of REBOA and/or PP, as temporizing measures, in blunt pelvic fracture patients. We hypothesized that REBOA is associated with worsened outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a 2017 review of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) and identified trauma patients with blunt pelvic fractures who underwent REBOA placement and/or PP before laparotomy and/or angioembolization. Propensity score matching was performed, adjusting for demographics, vitals, mechanism of injury, ISS, each body region-AIS, and pelvic fracture type. Outcomes were complication rates and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 156 patients (PP: 52; REBOA: 52; REBOA+PP: 52) were matched and included. Mean age was 43 ± 18 years, Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 28 (range 17-32), and 74% were males. Overall mortality was 42%. The 24-hour mortality (25% vs 14% vs 35%; p = 0.042), in-hospital mortality (44% vs 29% vs 54%; p = 0.034), and 4-hour pRBC units transfused (15 [9-23] vs 10 [4-19] vs 16 [9-27]; p = 0.017) were lower in the REBOA group. The REBOA group had faster times to both laparotomy (p = 0.040) and/or angioembolization (p = 0.012). There was no difference between the groups in acute kidney injury, lower limb amputations, or hospital and ICU length of stay among survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

REBOA is a less invasive procedure compared with PP and is associated with improved outcomes. Further clinical trials are needed to define the optimal patient who will benefit from REBOA.

Prophylactic endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in cases of placenta accreta spectrum during caesarean section: points from the anaesthesiologist's perspective

Background

The placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a severe complication of pregnancy and is associated with massive haemorrhage, hysterectomy, and even perinatal maternal-foetal death. Prophylactic abdominal aortic balloon occlusion (PAABO) is a novel and efficient therapy for these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits, potential risks, and characteristics of anaesthesia management.

Methods

A total of 48 parturients with PAS were enrolled and divided into two groups. Group A (n = 25) received PAABO, and Group B (n = 23) underwent a normal operative procedure. The characteristics of the general parameters, anaesthesia, and operative procedure were noted. Data on vital signs including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) during the operation were recorded. Before and after the procedure, hepatic and renal function and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also measured.

Results

The characteristics of the groups were comparable. PAABO significantly reduced estimated blood loss, which was ≥ 1000 ml. Drastic fluctuations in SBP, DBP and HR were observed during inflation and deflation in Group B. After the operation, increased LDH and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) were observed in both groups, and increased glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GTP) was observed in Group B.

Conclusions

PAABO reduced perioperative blood loss and the risk of hysterectomy among parturients with PAS. Sophisticated anaesthetic management should be implemented to prevent or reduce perioperative complications and address internal disorders that are caused by massive blood loss.

Anesthetic Management of Patients After Traumatic Injury With Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a temporizing maneuver for noncompressible torso hemorrhage. To our knowledge, this single-center brief report provides the most extensive anesthetic data published to date on patients who received REBOA. As anticipated, patients were critically ill, exhibiting lactic acidosis, hypotension, hyperglycemia, hypothermia, and coagulopathy. All patients received blood products during their index operations and received less inhaled anesthetic gas than normally required for healthy patients of the same age. This study serves as an important starting point for clinician education and research into anesthetic management of patients undergoing REBOA.

[Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta : Option for incompressible trunk bleeding?]

Hemorrhage is the single largest cause of avoidable death in trauma patients, whereby in civil emergency medicine in Europe most life-threatening hemorrhages occur in the abdomen and the pelvis. This is one reason why endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (EBOA), a procedure especially established in vascular surgery, is increasingly propagated for rapid bleeding control in these patients. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the technique, indications, contraindications and complications of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). Additionally, outcomes reported in in the currently available literature are summarized and discussed. From this practical and user-oriented consequences for future successful introduction of REBOA in the field of emergency medicine are deduced.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta: an option for noncompressible torso hemorrhage?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hemorrhage is the major cause of early death in severely injured patients. In civilian emergency medical services, the majority of life-threatening bleedings are found in noncompressible body regions (e.g. abdomen and pelvis). Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has therefore been discussed in recent years as a possible lifesaving procedure and numerous studies, meta-analyses and guidelines have been published. In this review, the data situation of REBOA in the management of bleeding trauma patients is discussed and practical implementation is depicted.

RECENT FINDINGS

The typical indication for REBOA is a traumatic life-threatening hemorrhage below the diaphragm in patients unresponsive or only transiently responsive to the usual conservative therapeutic measures. REBOA appears to be a safe and effective procedure to reduce blood loss and stabilize the patient's hemodynamic status. However, surgical hemostasis has to be achieved within 30-60 min after occlusion of the aorta. Data on clear advantages of REBOA over resuscitative thoracostomy are inconclusive.

SUMMARY

REBOA could play an important role in the management of the severely bleeding patient in the future. Together with transfusion and therapy of coagulation disorders, REBOA may be an additional tool in the anesthetist's hands for trauma management in interprofessional care concepts.

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.

CE: The Use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in Treating Hemorrhagic Shock from Severe Trauma

: Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death in trauma patients. In recent years, technological innovations and research efforts aimed at preventing death from hemorrhagic shock have resulted in the emergence of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). REBOA offers a less invasive option for emergent hemorrhage control in noncompressible areas of the body without the added risks and morbidities of an ED thoracotomy. This article outlines the procedure and device used, describes the procedure's evolution, and discusses various considerations, pitfalls, and nursing implications.

Feasibility of basic transesophageal echocardiography in hemorrhagic shock: potential applications during resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA)

Background

There are numerous studies in the cardiovascular literature that have employed transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in swine models, but data regarding the use of basic TEE in swine models is limited. The primary aim of this study is to describe an echocardiographic method that can be used with relative ease to qualitatively assess cardiovascular function in a porcine hemorrhagic shock model using resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA).

Methods

Multiplane basic TEE exams were performed in 15 during an experimental hemorrhage model using REBOA. Cardiac anatomical structure and functional measurements were obtained. In a convenience sample (two animals from each group), advanced functional cardiovascular measurements were obtained before and after REBOA inflation for comparison with qualitative assessments.

Results

Basic TEE exams were performed in 15 swine. Appropriate REBOA placement was confirmed using TEE in all animals and verified with fluoroscopy. Left ventricular volume was decreased in all animals, and left ventricular systolic function increased following REBOA inflation. Right ventricular systolic function and volume remained normal prior to and after hemorrhage and REBOA use. Mean ejection fraction (EF) decreased from 64% (S.D. 9.6) to 62.1 (S.D. 16.8) after hemorrhage and REBOA inflation (p = 0.76); fractional area of change (FAC) decreased from 49.8 (S.D. 9.0) to 48.5 (S.D. 13.6) after hemorrhage and REBOA inflation (p = 0.82).

Conclusion

Basic TEE, which requires less training than advanced TEE, may be employed by laboratory investigators and practitioners across a wide spectrum of experimental and clinical settings.

Current trends in the management of hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Complex traumatic pelvic ring disruptions are associated with a high mortality rate due to associated retroperitoneal hemorrhage, traumatic-hemorrhagic shock, and postinjury coagulopathy. The present review provides an update on current management strategies to improve survival rates form hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently published international consensus guidelines have attempted to standardize the classification of hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries and provided classification-based management algorithms for acute resuscitation and pelvic ring stabilization.

SUMMARY

Acute management strategies for pelvic ring disruptions with associated hemorrhagic shock include resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for patients 'in extremis' in conjunction with point-of-care guided resuscitation for postinjury coagulopathy. Recent data indicate that a protocol of early pelvic external fixation in conjunction with direct preperitoneal pelvic packing and subsequent angioembolization in patients with ongoing hemorrhage results in significantly improved survival from retroperitoneal exsanguinating hemorrhage in at-risk patients with historic mortality rates as high as 50-60%.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA): an updated review

In a current scenario where trauma injury and its consequences account for 9% of the worlds causes of death, the management of non-compressible torso hemorrhage can be problematic. With the improvement of medicine, the approach of these patients must be accurate and immediate so that the consequences may be minimal. Therefore, aiming the ideal method, studies have led to the development of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA). This procedure has been used at select trauma centers as a resuscitative adjunct for trauma patients with non-compressible torso hemorrhage. Although the use of this technique is increasing, its effectiveness is still not clear. This article aims, through a detailed review, to inform an updated view about this procedure, its technique, variations, benefits, limitations and future.