Transaxillary intra-aortic balloon tamponade in trauma

A case of exsanguinating intra-abdominal hemorrhage from penetrating trauma in which hypotension was controlled with transaxillary intra-aortic balloon catheter tamponade is presented. Catheter placement without fluoroscopic control through a left brachial arteriotomy with local anesthetics used to control hypotension in exsanguinating abdominal trauma is discussed and compared with resuscitative thoracotomy and descending aortic occlusion in such patients. The efficacy and simplicity of balloon catheter tamponade for abdominal hemorrhage caused by trauma are emphasized.