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Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Complete and Partial Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta for Hemorrhagic Shock
Published on: May 19, 2022
Bailout Percutaneous Intervention for Acute Aortic Occlusion
Aymen Najjar1, Mejdi Ben Messaoud1, Mezri Maatouk2
1Cardiology "A" Department, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Cardiothrombosis Laboratory, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
Insights
This study presents a novel approach for acute aortic occlusion, a critical condition. Coronary artery devices were successfully used for percutaneous revascularization when standard methods were unavailable, offering a potential new treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Acute aortic occlusion is a rare, life-threatening vascular emergency.
- Prompt diagnosis and urgent revascularization are critical for patient survival.
- Traditional treatments include aortobifemoral bypass and aortic endarterectomy.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old male presented with acute embolic aortic occlusion.
- Standard revascularization methods were not immediately accessible.
- A percutaneous approach was employed using catheter-directed thrombolysis and balloon angioplasty.
Findings:
- Coronary artery-dedicated devices were successfully utilized for aortic angioplasty.
- This represents a novel, "off-label" use of these specialized devices.
- The salvage procedure achieved successful revascularization.
Implications:
- Coronary artery-dedicated devices may serve as a safe bailout option for percutaneous revascularization in acute aortic occlusion.
- This endovascular technique expands treatment possibilities for complex aortic emergencies.
- Further research is warranted to validate the long-term efficacy and safety of this approach.
Background:
Acute aortic occlusion is a rare but life-threatening condition. Prompt diagnosis and urgent revascularization are keys to patient survival.
Case Summary:
A 63-year-old man was admitted with acute embolic aortic occlusion. Appropriate means for urgent revascularization were not readily available. Primary percutaneous angioplasty of the aorta with catheter-directed thrombolysis and balloon angioplasty using coronary artery-dedicated devices were successfully performed.
Discussion:
Acute aortic occlusion is commonly caused by in situ thrombosis or saddle emboli. Surgical management such as aortobifemoral bypass and aortic endarterectomy have been considered the standard approach treatments. However, endovascular and percutaneous revascularization techniques have become more commonly used over time. In our salvage procedure, we used coronary artery-specific devices with catheter-directed thrombolysis. To the best of our knowledge, this "off-label" technique has not been previously reported.
Take-Home Message:
Coronary artery-dedicated devices might be safely used as a bailout percutaneous revascularization intervention in acute aortic occlusion.
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