APSA Article of Interest: REBOA in Pediatric Trauma

REBOA stands for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta

REBOA is a minimally invasive method of hemorrhage control where a sheath is introduced into the aorta via femoral arterial access and inflated to occlude arterial flow in zone one, two, or three of the thoracic or abdominal aorta

REBOA has been gaining popularity for trauma and non-trauma indications in adult centers

REBOA is not used at all centers even in adults

Over seven years, there were only 11 patients in the AAST REBOA registry that were less than 18 years old that had a REBOA placed

All 11 pediatric patients who received REBOA were adolescents with a median age of 17

REBOA improved hemodynamics in the pediatric population studied

Only 30% of pediatric patients who received REBOA survived

REBOA has not made it into prime time for pediatric trauma yet

The technology might need some modifications for pediatric use

A better identification strategy is needed to know what patients would benefit from REBOA intervention