Intraaortic balloon occlusion during refractory cardiac arrest. A case report
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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Complete and Partial Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta for Hemorrhagic Shock
Published on: May 19, 2022
Emre Aslanger1, Ebru Golcuk, Huseyin Oflaz
1Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Cardiology Department, Millet Cad. Fatih, 34095 Istanbul, Turkey. mr.aslanger@hotmail.com
Insights
Continuous intraaortic balloon occlusion improved outcomes for a patient unresponsive to standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac arrest outcomes remain poor despite advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) during CPR correlates with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
Observation:
- A patient unresponsive to standard CPR was treated with continuous balloon occlusion of the descending aorta.
- This technique aims to divert blood flow and pressure to the heart and brain.
Findings:
- Continuous intraaortic balloon occlusion successfully achieved ROSC in a patient refractory to standard CPR.
- The patient experienced a successful survival post-intervention.
Implications:
- Continuous intraaortic balloon occlusion may be a viable rescue strategy for refractory cardiac arrest.
- Further research into aortic occlusion techniques could improve CPR efficacy and patient survival.
Abstract:
Despite recent advances in its management, the outcome from cardiac arrest is often poor despite appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) achieved during CPR is associated with successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Continuous balloon occlusion of the descending aorta is an experimental method that can occlude the 'unnecessary' part of the circulation, thus diverting generated pressure and blood flow to the heart and brain. We present a case report with a patient unresponsive to standard CPR in which constant intraaortic balloon occlusion achieved ROSC and successful survival.
