When REBOA grows wings: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta to facilitate aeromedical transport

• Published in: Trauma Case Reports
• Main Authors: Jason A. Snyder, Douglas J.E. Schuerer, Grant V. Bochicchio, Mark H. Hoofnagle
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2022-04-01
• Subjects: Aortic occlusion; REBOA; Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta; Aeromedical transport; Helicopter; Pelvic fracture
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352644022000188
• ISSN: 2352-6440

Background: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a helpful adjunct in the control of non-compressible truncal hemorrhage. Concerns regarding ischemia time limits its applicability in transfer. We describe the first reported case of civilian transfer via aeromedical transport to a higher level of care with a zone 3 REBOA catheter deployed. Case report: We present the case of a patient in hemorrhagic shock with a complex pelvic fracture exceeding the capability of a rural level-two trauma center requiring the use of REBOA catheter to permit aeromedical transport to a level-one trauma center for definitive embolization. Conclusion: Deployment of REBOA catheter to facilitate aeromedical transport to an appropriate level of care may be considered if travel times can be kept brief and there is a process and training in place to empower flight medics to consider transporting with a REBOA deployed.