Pre-hospital Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) for exsanguinating pelvic haemorrhage

Abstract

AimTo report the initial experience and outcomes of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) as an adjunct to pre-hospital resuscitation of patients with exsanguinating pelvic haemorrhage. MethodsDescriptive case series of consecutive adult patients, treated with pre-hospital Zone III REBOA by a physician-led pre-hospital trauma service, between January 2014 and July 2018. ResultsREBOA was attempted in 19 trauma patients (13 successful, six failed attempts) and two non-trauma patients (both successful) with exsanguinating pelvic haemorrhage. Trauma patients were severely injured (median ISS 34, IQR: 27–43) and profoundly hypotensive (median systolic blood pressure [SBP] 57, IQR: 40–68 mmHg). REBOA significantly improved blood pressure (Pre-REBOA median SBP 57, IQR: 35–67 mmHg versus Post- REBOA SBP 114, IQR: 86–132 mmHg; Median of differences 66, 95% CI: 25–74 mmHg; P < 0.001). REBOA was associated with significantly lower risk of pre-hospital cardiac arrest (REBOA 0/13 [0%] versus no REBOA 3/6 [50%], P = 0.021) and death from exsanguination (REBOA 0/13 [0%] versus no REBOA 4/6 [67%], P = 0.004), when compared to patients with a failed attempt. Successful REBOA was associated with improved survival (REBOA 8/13 [62%] versus no REBOA 2/6 [33%]; P = 0.350). Distal arterial thrombus requiring thrombectomy was common in the REBOA group (10/13, 77%). ConclusionREBOA is a feasible pre-hospital resuscitation strategy for patients with exsanguinating pelvic haemorrhage. REBOA significantly improves blood pressure and may reduce the risk of pre-hospital hypovolaemic cardiac arrest and early death due to exsanguination. Distal arterial thrombus formation is common, and should be actively managed.