Imaging Anatomy and Surface Localization of External Control Device-Targeted Arteries for Noncompressible Torso Hemorrhage.

Background: External hemorrhage control devices (EHCDs) are effective in reducing the death risk of noncompressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH), but the pressurized area is too large to prevent serious organ damage. This study aims to establish the surface localization strategy of EHCDs based on the anatomical features of NCTH-related arteries through CT images to facilitate the optimal design and application of EHCDs.

Methods: Two hundred patients who underwent abdominal CT were enrolled. Anatomical parameters such as the length of the common iliac artery (CIA), the external iliac artery (EIA), and the common femoral artery were measured; positional relationships among the EHCD-targeted arteries, umbilicus, anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), and pubic tubercle (PT) were determined. The accuracy of surface localization was verified by the 3D-printed mannequins of 20 real patients.

Results: Aortic bifurcation (AB) was 7.5 ± 8.6 mm to the left of the umbilicus. The left CIA (left: 46.6 ± 16.0 mm vs. right: 43.3 ± 15.5 mm, P = .038) and the right EIA (left: 102.6 ± 16.3 mm vs. right: 111.5 ± 18.8 mm, P < .001) were longer than their counterparts, respectively. The vertical distance between the CIA terminus and the ipsilateral AB-ASIS line was 19.6 ± 8.2 mm, and the left and right perpendicular intersections were located at the upper one-third and one-fourth of the AB-ASIS line, respectively. The length ratio of EIA-ASIS to ASIS-PT was 0.6:1. The predicted point and its actual subpoint were significantly correlated (P ≤ .002), and the vertical distance between the two points was ≤5.5 mm.

Conclusion: The arterial localization strategy established via anatomical investigation was consistent with the actual situation. The data are necessary for improving EHCD design, precise hemostasis, and EHCD-related collateral injuries.Trial registration: Ratification no. 2019092. Registered November 4, 2020-retrospectively registered, www.chictr.org.cn.