Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta Using a Low-Profile Device is Easy and Safe for Emergency Physicians in Cases of Life-Threatening Hemorrhage

Background

Bleeding from hemorrhagic shock can be immediately controlled by blocking the proximal part of the hemorrhagic point using either resuscitative thoracotomy for aortic cross-clamping or insertion of a large-caliber (10–14Fr) resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) device via the femoral artery. However, such methods are very invasive and have various complications. With recent progress in endovascular treatment, a low-profile REBOA device (7Fr) has been developed.

Objective

The objective of this study was to report our experience of this low-profile REBOA device and to evaluate the usefulness of emergency physician?operated REBOA in life-threatening hemorrhagic shock.

Methods

Ten patients with refractory hemorrhagic shock underwent REBOA using this device via the femoral artery. All REBOA procedures were performed by emergency physicians. The success rate of the insertion, vital signs, and REBOA-related complications were evaluated.

Results

Median age was 54 years (interquartile range 33–78 years). The causes of hemorrhagic shock were trauma (n = 4; 1 blunt and 3 penetrating), ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 3), and obstetric hemorrhage (n = 3). Two patients had cardiopulmonary arrest upon arrival. REBOA procedure was successful in all patients, and all became hemodynamically stable to undergo definitive interventions after REBOA. There were no REBOA-related complications. The mortality rate within 24 h and 30 days was 40%.

Conclusions

This REBOA device was useful for emergency physicians in life-threatening hemorrhagic shock because of its ease in handling and low invasiveness.