To Örebro University

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the current utilization patterns of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta (REBOA) for hemorrhage control in nontrauma patients.

METHODS: Data on REBOA use in nontrauma emergency general surgery patients from six centers, 2014-2019, was pooled for analysis. We performed descriptive analyses using Fisher's exact, Student's t, chi-squared, or Mann-Whitney U tests as appropriate.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients with acute hemorrhage from nontrauma sources were identified. REBOA placement was primarily performed by trauma attendings (20/37, 54%) and vascular attendings (13/37, 35%). In seven patients (19%), balloons were positioned prophylactically but never inflated. In 24 (65%) of 37 patients, REBOA was placed in the operating room. 28/37 balloons (76%) were advanced to zone 1, 8/37 (22%) were advanced to zone 3, and there was one REBOA use in the inferior vena cava. Most common indications were gastrointestinal and peripartum bleeding. In the 30 cases of balloon inflation, 24 of 30 (80%) resulted in improved hemodynamics. Eleven of 30 patients (37%) died before discharge. One patient developed a distal embolism, but there were no reports of limb loss. Twelve patients (40% of all REBOA inflations and 63% of survivors) were discharged to home.

CONCLUSIONS: REBOA has been used in a range of acutely hemorrhaging emergency general surgery patients with low rates of access-related complications. Mortality is high in this patient population and further research is needed; however, appropriate patient selection and early use may improve survival in these life-threatening cases.