Outcomes and Evidence

in Endovascular Trauma Management

Applied

Type

Modification

Confidence

85%

Created

Mar 26, 2026

Evidence

1 source

Rationale

The integration of the Cralley 2026-b (PMID 36542395) article provides critical nuance to the comparison between REBOA and resuscitative thoracotomy. The original text noted that results were 'mixed' and 'selection-dependent'; the new evidence specifies that the presence or absence of CPR is a key selection factor determining which intervention may be superior. Abbreviations (RT, CPR) were expanded on first use as per instructions.

Content Changes

<!-- type: evidence -->

**Evidence landscape**

Most endovascular trauma management (EVTM) outcome data are **observational** (registries, administrative datasets, and single-center series). Interpretation requires attention to indication, timing, comparator selection, and survivorship bias. [@trauma2016-aorta] [@matsumura2020]

**resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) outcomes**

- Registries demonstrate feasibility and define complication patterns; outcome signals vary by indication and practice environment. [@trauma2016-aorta]
- Comparative observational analyses versus resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) show mixed results and are highly selection-dependent. [@brenner2018-survival] Recent registry data indicate that Zone 1 REBOA is associated with improved survival compared to RT in patients who do not require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), whereas RT may be superior for patients already in cardiac arrest. [@cralley2026-b]

**Hybrid/endovascular strategy outcomes (what “success” means)**

Beyond survival, meaningful endpoints include:

- Time to hemorrhage control
- Blood product utilization
- Organ failure and ischemic complications (renal/visceral/limb)
- Need for fasciotomy or access repair
- Limb salvage and functional outcome (especially in extremity/junctional trauma). [@rasmussen2011-vascular]

**Why registries remain central**

Given case heterogeneity and low event frequency at single centers, multi-institution registries are important for benchmarking, governance, and complication surveillance. [@mani2020]

See also: [[Vascular Trauma|Ch. 15]] for extremity injury outcomes and shunt/bypass benchmarks.