A stylized illustration of REBOA being used in a trauma bay.

REBOA: A Lifeline in Severe Trauma?

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Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Can resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) improve outcomes for hemodynamically unstable trauma patients?"


In the fast-paced world of emergency medicine, trauma care is constantly evolving. From damage control strategies to advanced imaging techniques, the goal is always to improve patient outcomes. One promising innovation is the resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, or REBOA. This technique involves temporarily blocking the aorta with a balloon to redirect blood flow to vital organs.

But can REBOA truly make a difference in the most challenging cases? A recent retrospective study published in the World Journal of Emergency Surgery dives into this question, examining the effectiveness of REBOA in hemodynamically unstable patients with severe torso trauma. Let's explore the findings and what they mean for the future of trauma care.

Imagine a patient rushed into the emergency room with life-threatening injuries to the torso. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the patient's blood pressure remains dangerously low. This is where REBOA comes in, offering a potential way to stabilize the patient and buy time for life-saving interventions.

REBOA: How Does It Work?

A stylized illustration of REBOA being used in a trauma bay.

REBOA works by temporarily blocking blood flow in the aorta, the body's largest artery. This redirects blood to the heart and brain, stabilizing the patient. The study focused on patients with severe torso trauma (Injury Severity Score > 16) who remained hypotensive despite initial resuscitation efforts. Researchers compared outcomes for patients who received REBOA versus those who did not.

The study meticulously tracked various factors, including patient characteristics, injury severity, time to intervention, and mortality rates. Statistical analysis helped determine whether REBOA made a significant difference in patient survival.

  • Patient Selection: Researchers analyzed data from 5,899 severe trauma patients, focusing on 107 with severe torso injuries and persistent hypotension.
  • REBOA Procedure: REBOA was performed by inserting a balloon catheter into the femoral artery and inflating it in the aorta to temporarily block blood flow.
  • Data Analysis: The study assessed the impact of REBOA on in-hospital mortality, time to hemostasis, and other clinical outcomes, using multivariable logistic regression to control for confounding variables.
The results were compelling. The trauma management that involved REBOA was significantly associated with decreased mortality which resulted in adjusted odds ratio of survival, 7.430.

The Future of REBOA in Trauma Care

The use of REBOA without a delay in initiating resuscitative hemostasis may improve the outcomes in patients with multiple injuries associated with severe trauma. Optimal usage of REBOA may be beneficial in preventing cardiac arrest and preserving brain and coronary blood flow without harmful effects. Further studies to assess optimal usage criteria are needed.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly is REBOA?

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, or REBOA, is a procedure where a balloon catheter is inserted into the femoral artery and inflated in the aorta. This temporarily blocks blood flow in the aorta, redirecting blood to the heart and brain. The goal is to stabilize the patient by preserving brain and coronary blood flow.

2

Why is REBOA considered a significant advancement in trauma care?

REBOA is significant because it offers a potential way to stabilize hemodynamically unstable trauma patients, particularly those with severe torso injuries and persistent hypotension, buying time for life-saving interventions. It has been shown that REBOA may improve survival rates in patients with multiple injuries associated with severe trauma.

3

How was the effectiveness of REBOA evaluated in the study?

The study analyzed data from 5,899 severe trauma patients, focusing on 107 with severe torso injuries and persistent hypotension. Researchers compared outcomes for patients who received REBOA versus those who did not, tracking factors like patient characteristics, injury severity, time to intervention, and mortality rates.

4

Are there any potential risks or downsides to using REBOA?

The use of REBOA may have potential complications, that's why the 'optimal usage criteria' needs to be assessed. To maximize its benefits and minimize risks, it is essential to identify the right patient population and timing for intervention. Further research is needed to determine the best strategies for implementing REBOA in various trauma scenarios.

5

What are the broader implications of the study's findings on the use of REBOA in trauma care?

The study's findings suggest that REBOA may improve outcomes in patients with severe torso trauma and persistent hypotension. However, it's important to note that the study focused on a specific patient population and setting. While REBOA shows promise, it is crucial to consider patient selection, timing, and potential complications.

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