[Evaluation of 38 cases of employing aortic occlusion balloon catheter]

Aortic occlusion balloon catheter (AOBC), which occludes the descending aorta without thoracotomy, is expected to prevent further blood loss and raise blood pressure (BP). We investigated the effects of AOBC retrospectively.

AOBC was used in 38 patients for perioperative management only if the BP responded insufficiently despite rapid resuscitation due to massive hemorrhage below the diaphragm. There were 33 trauma cases, and five cases of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. We inserted AOBC via the femoral artery or left common carotid artery in the emergency room(ER) or in the operating room (OR).

BP increased for 38.7 +/- 33.9 mmHg following AOBC, with a survival rate of 36%.

In our experience, AOBC was effective for raising BP in patients in hemorrhagic shock.