Scientists have tested an emergency treatment for cardiac arrest that temporarily redirects blood flow to the heart and brain using a small balloon inserted into the aorta. Preliminary findings from the study were presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions on Resuscitation in Chicago. The method demonstrated the ability to significantly increase blood pressure during resuscitation, although its impact on survival remains to be established.
The researchers investigated the use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and did not respond to standard resuscitation measures. During this minimally invasive procedure, a catheter with a small balloon is inserted through an artery in the groin and advanced into the upper part of the aorta. Temporarily blocking blood flow to the lower body allows more blood to be directed towards vital organs, including the heart and brain.
The study was conducted by the UK-based East Anglian Air Ambulance emergency medical service between June 2024 and June 2026. It involved adult patients in whom cardiac activity could not be restored through standard advanced life support measures, including chest compressions, defibrillation when indicated and medication.
The procedure successfully blocked blood flow in the upper part of the aorta in 33 of the 36 patients in whom it was attempted. On average, the procedure took approximately seven minutes, and the balloon was inflated a median of 51 minutes after cardiac arrest.
Following the intervention, diastolic blood pressure – the lower reading, which is important for restoring heart function during resuscitation – increased by an average of 59%, from 26 to 42 mmHg. Systolic blood pressure rose by 20%, from 76 to 91 mmHg. In addition, the average level of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, which is used as an indicator of the effectiveness of blood circulation during resuscitation, increased by 50%. The researchers reported no serious complications associated with the procedure.
Of the 33 patients who underwent successful aortic occlusion, eight achieved sustained return of spontaneous circulation, while two survived and were discharged from hospital with good neurological outcomes.
Particularly encouraging results were observed in a small subgroup of patients with witnessed cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation who underwent the procedure earlier. Sustained return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in four of the five patients in this group, and two survived and were discharged with favourable neurological outcomes.
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