Resuscitative EndoVascular Aortic Occlusion for Maximal Perfusion

REBOA is an endovascular technique that is becoming more widely used in the setting of severe trauma. It is a procedure where one uses the seldigner technique to advance a balloon tipped catheter into the femoral artery and then into the aorta. The balloon is then inflated to fully occlude blood flow to the distal aorta. Study investigators hypothesize that this technique may be of use in the setting of medical cardiac arrest. By occluding the aorta and preventing distal blood flow during CPR, physicians might maximize perfusion to the heart and the brain, and promote return of spontaneous circulation and neurologic recovery. Investigators plan to conduct an IDE approved early feasibility study using the ER-REBOA catheter in five patients who are in cardiac arrest of medical (i.e. non-traumatic) etiology. The primary outcomes will be feasibility and safety. Secondary outcomes will focus on procedural performance, hemodynamic response to aortic occlusion, and patient-centered outcome variables. Investigators plan to expand the study to an additional 15 patients if, after the initial five patients, the risk-benefit profile remains favorable.