The REBOA Dissipation Curve: Training Starts to Wane at 6 Months in the Absence of Clinical REBOA Cases

Consensus on resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in civilian (prehospital) trauma care: A Delphi study

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) could prevent lethal exsanguination and support cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In prehospital trauma and medical emergency settings, a small population with high mortality rates could potentially benefit from early REBOA deployment. However, its use in these situations remains highly disputed. Since publication of the first Delphi study on REBOA, in which consensus was not reached on all addressed topics, new literature has emerged. The aim of this study was to establish consensus on the use and implementation of REBOA in civilian prehospital settings for noncompressible truncal hemorrhage and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest as well as for various in-hospital settings.

METHODS

A Delphi study consisting of three rounds of questionnaires was conducted based on a review of recent literature. REBOA experts with different medical specialties, backgrounds, and work environments were invited for the international panel. Consensus was reached when a minimum of 75% of panelists responded to a question and at least 75% (positive) or less than 25% (negative) of these respondents agreed on the questioned subject.

RESULTS

Panel members reached consensus on potential (contra)indications, physiological thresholds for patient selection, the use of ultrasound and practical, and technical aspects for early femoral artery access and prehospital REBOA.

CONCLUSION

The international expert panel agreed that REBOA can be used in civilian prehospital settings for temporary control of noncompressible truncal hemorrhage, provided that personnel are properly trained and protocols are established. For prehospital REBOA and early femoral artery access, consensus was reached on (contra)indications, physiological thresholds and practical aspects. The panel recommends the initiation of a randomized clinical trial investigating the use of prehospital REBOA for noncompressible truncal hemorrhage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level V.

Critical systolic blood pressure threshold for endovascular aortic occlusion-A multinational analysis to determine when to place a REBOA

BACKGROUND

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is a potential indicator that could guide when to use a resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in trauma patients with life-threatening injuries. This study aims to determine the optimal SBP threshold for REBOA placement by analyzing the association between SBP pre-REBOA and 24-hour mortality in severely injured hemodynamically unstable trauma patients.

METHODS

We performed a pooled analysis of the aortic balloon occlusion (ABO) trauma and AORTA registries. These databases record the details related to the use of REBOA and include data from 14 countries worldwide. We included patients who had suffered penetrating and/or blunt trauma. Patients who arrived at the hospital with a SBP pre-REBOA of 0 mm Hg and remained at 0 mm Hg after balloon inflation were excluded. We evaluated the impact that SBP pre-REBOA had on the probability of death in the first 24 hours.

RESULTS

A total of 1,107 patients underwent endovascular aortic occlusion, of these, 848 met inclusion criteria. The median age was 44 years (interquartile range [IQR], 27-59 years) and 643 (76%) were male. The median injury severity score was 34 (IQR, 25-45). The median SBP pre-REBOA was 65 mm Hg (IQR, 49-88 mm Hg). Mortality at 24 hours was reported in 279 (32%) patients. Math modeling shows that predicted probabilities of the primary outcome increased steadily in SBP pre-REBOA below 100 mm Hg. Multivariable mixed-effects analysis shows that when SBP pre-REBOA was lower than 60 mm Hg, the risk of death was more than 50% (relative risk, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.92; p = 0.001).

DISCUSSION

In patients who do not respond to initial resuscitation, the use of REBOA in SBPs between 60 mm Hg and 80 mm Hg may be a useful tool in resuscitation efforts before further decompensation or complete cardiovascular collapse. The findings from our study are clinically important as a first step in identifying candidates for REBOA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta and resuscitative thoracotomy are associated with similar outcomes in traumatic cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a minimally invasive alternative to resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) for patients with hemorrhagic shock. However, the potential benefits of this approach remain subject of debate. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of REBOA and RT for traumatic cardiac arrest.

METHODS

A planned secondary analysis of the United States Department of Defense-funded Emergent Truncal Hemorrhage Control study was performed. Between 2017 and 2018, a prospective observational study of noncompressible torso hemorrhage was conducted at six Level I trauma centers. Patients were dichotomized by REBOA or RT, and baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 454 patients were enrolled in the primary study, of which 72 patients were included in the secondary analysis (26 underwent REBOA and 46 underwent resuscitative thoracotomy). Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta patients were older, had a greater body mass index, and were less likely to be the victims of penetrating trauma. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta patients also had less severe abdominal injuries and more severe extremity injuries, although the overall injury severity scores were similar. There was no difference in mortality between groups (88% vs. 93%, p = 0.767). However, time to aortic occlusion was longer in REBOA patients (7 vs. 4 minutes, p = 0.001) and they required more transfusions of red blood cells (4.5 vs. 2.5 units, p = 0.007) and plasma (3 vs. 1 unit, p = 0.032) in the emergency department. After adjusted analysis, mortality remained similar between groups (RR, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.12, p = 0.304).

CONCLUSION

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta and RT were associated with similar survival after traumatic cardiac arrest, although time to successful aortic occlusion was longer in the REBOA group. Further research is needed to better define the role of REBOA in trauma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Do we need pre-hospital resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in the civilian helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS)?

Pre-hospital resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) can be a life-saving procedure for patients with non-compressible torso hemorrhage. We aimed to evaluate the potential eligibility for REBOA in trauma patients of a civilian helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) using a stepwise approach. A retrospective analysis using the electronic database (HEMSDER) of "DRF Luftrettung" HEMS covering the period from January 2015 to June 2021 was performed. Trauma patients aged ≥ 16 years and with a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) score of ≥ 4 were assessed for potential REBOA eligibility using two different decision trees based on assumed severe bleeding due to injuries of the abdomen, pelvis, and/or lower extremities and different vital signs on the scene and at hospital handover. Non-parametric statistical methods were used for comparison. A total of 22.426 patients met the inclusion criteria for data analysis. Of these, 0.15-2.24% were possible candidates for pre-hospital REBOA. No significant differences between groups on scene and at hospital handover regarding demographics, assumed injuries, and pre-hospital interventions were found. In the on-scene group, 21.1% of the patients remained unstable even at hospital handover despite pre-hospital care. In the handover group, 42.8% of the patients seemed initially stable but then deteriorated during the pre-hospital course. The number of potential pre-hospital REBOA in severely injured patients with a NACA score of ≥ 4 is < 3% or can be even < 1% if more strict criteria are used. There are some patients who may benefit from pre-hospital REBOA as a life-saving procedure. Further research on earlier diagnosis of life-threatening bleeding and proper indications of REBOA in trauma patients is needed.

Making sense of adaptive expertise for frontline clinical educators: a scoping review of definitions and strategies

Adaptive expertise has been promoted as an emerging model of expertise in health professions education in response to the inherent complexities of patient care; however, as the concept increasingly influences the structure of professional training and practice, it creates the potential for misunderstandings of the definition and implications of adaptive expertise. To foster a common understanding of the concept, we conducted a scoping review to explore how adaptive expertise has been discussed within health professions education literature. Five databases-MedLine, PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, and PsycINFO-were searched using the exact term "adaptive expertise", producing 212 unique articles. Fifty-eight articles met inclusion criteria. In the included articles, authors discussed the conceptual implications of adaptive expertise for health professions education, strategies for training for adaptive expertise, and research findings aimed at supporting the development of adaptive expertise or utilizing adaptive expertise as a theoretical framework. The goal of this scoping review is to establish a resource for frontline educators tasked with fostering the development of adaptive expertise in learners through education initiatives. A common understanding of adaptive expertise is essential to ensuring effective implementation in training programs.

Multidisciplinary Simulation of Trauma in Pregnancy with Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) Utilization

Background Studies have demonstrated the use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion catheters of the aorta (REBOA) in the setting of postpartum hemorrhage and traumatic hemorrhagic shock. However, REBOA is infrequently utilized leading to a lack of clinician comfort. This study's aim was to demonstrate the utility of REBOA in a hemorrhaging pregnant trauma patient and improve clinician comfort with the placement of REBOA while emphasizing collaboration between medical specialties. Methods A multidisciplinary in-situ simulation was developed for the management of a pregnant patient with an abdominal gunshot wound evaluated by obstetrics and surgery teams. A trauma survey, emergency c-section, massive transfusion protocol (MTP), and evaluation for and placement of REBOA were indicated during the simulation. A standardized Return on Learning questionnaire was utilized to determine participants' reactions and confidence gained during the simulation. Results A total of 32 of 41 participants completed the survey (78%). A statistically significant increase in confidence was reported in the ability to prioritize the care of a pregnant patient with hemorrhagic shock (p = 0.016), apply MTP to the appropriate clinical setting (p = 0.03), and analyze critical decisions made for abdominal trauma in pregnant patients (p = 0.006). Specifically for physicians, a significant increase in confidence in the ability to identify indications/contraindications for REBOA placement in hemorrhaging patients was observed (p = 0.021). Conclusions A multidisciplinary simulation for the management of a pregnant patient in hemorrhagic shock secondary to penetrating abdominal trauma improved learner confidence in MTP, care of pregnant patients in hemorrhagic shock, and abdominal trauma in pregnancy. Physician learners gained confidence in indications for REBOA placement in abdominal trauma. This simulation was highly relevant to all participants.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in civilian pre-hospital care: a systematic review of the literature

Background

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a damage control tool with a potential role in the hemodynamic resuscitation of severely ill patients in the civilian pre-hospital setting. REBOA ensures blood flow to vital organs by early proximal control of the source of bleeding. However, there is no consensus on the use of REBOA in the pre-hospital setting. This article aims to perform a systematic review of the literature about the feasibility, survival, indications, complications, and potential candidates for civilian pre-hospital REBOA.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, LILACS and Web of Science databases. Primary outcome variables included overall survival and feasibility. Secondary outcome variables included complications and potential candidates for endovascular occlusion.

Results

The search identified 8 articles. Five studies described the use of REBOA in pre-hospital settings, reporting a total of 47 patients in whom the procedure was attempted. Pre-hospital REBOA was feasible in 68–100% of trauma patients and 100% of non-traumatic patients with cardiac arrest. Survival rates and complications varied widely. Pre-hospital REBOA requires a coordinated and integrated emergency health care system with a well-trained and equipped team. The remaining three studies performed a retrospective analysis identifying 784 potential REBOA candidates.

Conclusions

Pre-hospital REBOA could be a feasible intervention for a significant portion of severely ill patients in the civilian setting. However, the evidence is limited. The impact of pre-hospital REBOA should be assessed in future studies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40001-022-00836-3.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta: simulation improves performance but may require interval training to prevent skill degradation

PURPOSE

Surgical trainees are exposed to less procedures with increasing need for simulation. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has become increasingly implemented for hemorrhage control, yet most courses are catered to faculty level with little data on trainees. We propose that routine training in this critical procedure will improve trainee performance over time.

METHODS

This is a prospective, observational study at a level I trauma center involving a monthly trauma procedural program. Early in the month, trainees received hands-on REBOA training; at the end, trainees underwent standardized, class-based evaluation on a perfused trainer. Score percentages were recorded (0-100%). Endpoints included early, mid and late performance (2-12 months). Paired T-test and Pearson's coefficient were used to evaluate differences and strength of association between time between training and performance.

RESULTS

25 trainees participated with 5 and 11 repeat learners in the PGY-2 and PGY-3 classes, respectively. Median early performance score was 62.5% (IQR 56-81) for PGY-2s and 91.6% (IQR 75-100) in PGY-3s. Pearson's coefficient between time between and training and score demonstrated a weak correlation in the PGY-2s (r² = - 0.13), but was more pronounced in the PGY-3s (r² = - 0.44) with an inflection point at 5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine REBOA training in trainees is associated with improvement in performance within a short period of time. Skill degradation was most pronounced in trainees who did not receive training for more than 5 months. Trainees can be successfully trained in REBOA; however, this should be done at shorter intervals to prevent skill degradation.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in combat casualties: The past, present, and future

BACKGROUND

Noncompressible torso hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. Intra-aortic balloon occlusion was first used in combat in the 1950s, but military use was rare before Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. During these wars, the combination of an increasing number of deployed vascular surgeons and a significant rise in deaths from hemorrhage resulted in novel adaptations of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) technology, increasing its potential application in combat. We describe the background of REBOA development in response to a need for minimally invasive intervention for hemorrhage control and provide a detailed review of all published cases (n = 47) of REBOA use for combat casualties. The current limitations of REBOA are described, including distal ischemia and reperfusion injury, as well as ongoing research efforts to adapt REBOA for prolonged use in the austere setting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.