Balloons for kids: Anatomic candidacy and optimal catheter size for pediatric resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta.

Background: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a potential adjunct in pediatric trauma patients with noncompressible truncal and pelvic hemorrhage; however, there are little data evaluating the anatomic considerations of REBOA in children. We evaluated the vascular dimensions and anatomic limitations of using REBOA in children.

Methods: Computed tomography scans of pediatric patients performed between February 2016 and October 2019 were retrospectively reviewed by two investigators.