Current use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in trauma

Abstract

IntroductionNon-compressible torso haemorrhage is the leading cause of death in trauma cases. This has led to the development of new devices to control bleeding, including Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA). ObjectiveTo perform a non-systematic review of the literature on the use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in trauma. Materials and methodsA systematic literature search through Medline was conducted. Articles relevant to our objective were selected. A qualitative and narrative synthesis of results is presented. ResultsOur qualitative and narrative results show that Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta could be a safe and effective intervention for the control of haemorrhage in abdomino-pelvic trauma. Its use is controversial in thoracic trauma. Finally, the performance of this intervention may cause complications. ConclusionResuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta is an alternative that can be used in damage control surgery. It could be effective for early control of bleeding in patients with non-compressible torso haemorrhage. As a complex intervention, REBOA is in its development phase, and the evidence available preclude us from providing strong recommendations.