Management of Acute Hemorrhage and Damage-Control Resuscitation: Critical Care Concepts for Vascular Interventional...

Vascular Interventional Radiologists (VIRs) frequently perform procedures to treat active hemorrhage and are consulted for assistance in management of active hemorrhage. Many such patients are critically ill with hemorrhagic shock, and may require complex urgent and medical management by the treating VIR. VIRs should understand the pathophysiology of hemorrhage and guidelines for management. Here, we discuss the assessment of acute hemorrhage, physiology of acute traumatic coagulopathy, and how to manage and resuscitate patients presenting with acute or severe hemorrhage. Importantly, we focus on the evidence-based Damage Control Resuscitation guidelines, transfusion principles, and anticoagulation reversal guidelines. This knowledge will help any VIR to manage patients experiencing hemorrhage and to function as a disease expert and key cog of the clinical team.