Evaluation of the implementation of the minimally invasive emergency procedure REBOA via an open surgical approach in a teaching unit – a cadaveric study

Introduction

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is an increasingly used trauma resuscitation procedure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the open surgical technique in a cardiac arrest model.

Materials and methods

Thirty-one fresh cadavers were included in the study. 46 times the open arterial cutdown for the emergency procedure REBOA were performed and evaluated by physicians from a level I. trauma center.

Results

For open arterial cutdown time from skin incision to blocking the balloon in averaged 340.6 s (SD: 136.6; range: 178–600) and the balloon was correctly positioned and blocked 37 times (80.4%; 37/46) and failed 9 times (19.6%; 9/46).

Conclusions

This study vividly demonstrates that in patients in severe shock or cardiac arrest condition, the open surgical puncture for the implications of the REBOA catheter is a good and safe alternative to the percutaneous ultrasound-targeted technique.

Level of Evidence

Level V, Cadaveric Study.