Abstract 189: Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion Of The Aorta In The Obese Patient

Abstract

Objectives: Perceptions of difficulty in obtaining arterial access in obese patients may impact the rate of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) use in clinical practice. Excess adipose tissue can obstruct palpation of anatomic landmarks, limit sonographic visualization, and potentially increase difficulty of REBOA placement. We aimed to examine the association between obesity and REBOA placement, hypothesizing that increased body habitus would decrease success and increase time to successful aortic occlusion (AO). Methods: A retrospective analysis of the Aortic Occlusion for Resuscitation in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery (AORTA) registry was performed on REBOA patients (2013-2022). Patients with systolic blood pressure > 0mmHg admission were included. Patients requiring CPR on arrival to the ED were excluded. Body mass index (BMI) categorized obesity subgroups as follows: non-obese (<30), mildly obese (30-34.9), moderately obese (35-39.9), and severely obese (40+). Results: Inclusion criteria was met by 410 patients. There was no statistical difference in injury severity or admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) among the subgroups. At initiation of AO, moderately and severely obese patients had higher median SBP compared to non- and mildly obese patients (p=0.03). On multivariate analysis, BMI did not significantly impact the success of REBOA placement or time to successful AO. When stratified by arterial access technique, there was no difference in success rates, time to successful AO, or mortality between groups. Overall time to successful AO, response SBP, and mortality did not differ across subgroups. Conclusion: Following traumatic injury in obese patients, REBOA placement is a feasible intervention. Despite differences in patient body habitus, ultrasound guidance was not superior to landmark palpation for acquiring arterial access. Placement of REBOA is equally effective in obese patients and severe obesity should not impede REBOA use.