Usefulness of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in controlling puerperal bleeding in patients with abnormal placental implantation

Background and aims

Abnormalities of placental implantation, which make up the spectrum of placenta accreta, are associated with high maternal morbidity and mortality due to massive bleeding during delivery. Placing aortic occlusion balloons helps control the bleeding, facilitating surgical intervention. A new device, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), minimizes the risks and complications associated with the placement of traditional aortic balloons and is also efficacious in controlling bleeding. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness, efficacy, and safety of REBOA in puerperal bleeding due to abnormalities of placental implantation.

Material and methods

Between November 2019 and November 2021, our interventional radiology team placed six REBOA devices in six women scheduled for cesarean section due to placenta accrete.

Results

Mean blood loss during cesarean section after REBOA (3507.5 mL) was similar to the amounts reported for other aortic balloons. The mean number of units of packed red blood cells required for transfusion was 3.5. Using REBOA provided the surgical team with adequate conditions to perform the surgery. There were no complications derived from REBOA, and the mean ICU stay was <2 days.

Conclusion

The technical characteristics of the REBOA device make it a safe and useful alternative for controlling massive bleeding in patients with placenta accreta.