Conversion of the Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet (AAJT) to Infrarenal Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) Is Practical in a Swine Hemorrhage Model.

BACKGROUND: Two methods of controlling pelvic and inguinal hemorrhage are the Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet (AAJT; Compression Works) and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). The AAJT can be applied quickly, but prolonged use may damage the bowel, inhibit ventilation, and obstruct surgical access. REBOA requires technical proficiency but avoids many of the complications associated with the AAJT. Conversion of the AAJT to REBOA would allow for field hemorrhage control with mitigation of the morbidity associated with prolonged AAJT use.

METHODS: Yorkshire male swine (n = 17; 70-90kg) underwent controlled 40% hemorrhage. Subsequently, AAJT was placed on the abdomen, midline, 2cm superior to the ilium, and inflated. After 1 hour, the animals were allocated to an additional 30 minutes of AAJT inflation (continuous AAJT occlusion [CAO]), REBOA placement with the AAJT inflated (overlapping aortic occlusion [OAO]), or REBOA placement following AAJT removal (sequential aortic occlusion [SAO]). Following removal, animals were observed for 3.5 hours.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in survival, blood pressure, or laboratory values were found following intervention. Conversion to REBOA was successful in all animals but one in the OAO group. REBOA placement time was 4.3 ± 2.9 minutes for OAO and 4.1 ± 1.8 minutes for SAO (p = .909). No animal had observable intestinal injury.

CONCLUSIONS: Conversion of the AAJT to infrarenal REBOA is practical and effective, but access may be difficult while the AAJT is applied.