Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) for non-trauma patients in an urban hospital: a series of two cases.

Background: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is increasingly being used for temporary bleeding control in patients with trauma with non-compressible truncal hemorrhage (NCTH). In recent years, the technique is gaining popularity in postpartum hemorrhage and non-traumatic cardiac arrest, although still underutilized. In other surgical fields, however, there is not yet much awareness for the possible advantages of this technique. Consequently, for non-trauma indications, limited data are available.

Methods: Description of the use of REBOA in two patients with hemorrhagic shock due to exsanguinating non-traumatic NCTH.

Results: In the first case, REBOA was deployed at the emergency department in a patient in their 80s presenting with hemorrhagic shock due to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Hemodynamic stability was obtained and a CT scan was subsequently performed for planning of endovascular aneurysm repair. After successful placement of the endograft, the REBOA catheter was deflated and removed. In the second case, REBOA was performed in a patient with shock due to iatrogenic epigastric artery bleeding after an umbilical hernia repair to prevent hemodynamic collapse and facilitate induction of anesthesia for definitive surgery. During laparotomy, blood pressure-guided intermittent aortic balloon occlusion was used to preserve perfusion of the abdominal organs. Patient made a full recovery.

Conclusion: REBOA deployment was successful in achieving temporary hemorrhage control and hemodynamic stability in patients with non-traumatic NCTH. REBOA facilitated diagnostic work-up, transportation to the operating room and prevented hemodynamic collapse during definitive surgical repair. In the right patient and skilled hands, this relatively simple endovascular procedure could buy precious time and prove lifesaving in a variety of non-compressible hemorrhage.