Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in Non-traumatic Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

The primary aim of this trial is to assess the efficacy of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) as an adjunct treatment to advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) carries a high mortality rate. The treatment of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is ACLS as stated in the guidelines from the Norwegian Resuscitation Council and the European Resuscitation Guidelines. Recently, REBOA has been proposed as an adjunct treatment in management of non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients, because thoracic aortic occlusion provides a redistribution of the cardiac output to organs proximal to the occlusion. Preclinical studies demonstrate that REBOA during CPR provide both increased coronary artery blood flow and perfusion pressure and increased rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). This is the first prospective trial in the world to assess the efficacy of REBOA in non-traumatic cardiac arrest. The intervention is shown feasible in the pre-hospital setting. If this trial provides a signal of benefit in patients, this study could initiate further clinical research which could change current resuscitation practice world-wide.