Bridging the gap: a successful interhospital transfer of a bleeding pelvic fracture patient using REBOA and the "doctor car" system: a case report.
Journal of Trauma and Injury · 2025-11-20 · Case report
Abstract
Severe traumatic injuries, particularly unstable pelvic fractures, frequently result in life-threatening hemorrhagic shock, necessitating urgent transfer to specialized trauma centers. However, interhospital transport of hemodynamically unstable patients poses a significant risk of clinical deterioration. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) offers effective temporary hemodynamic stabilization before definitive care. Here, we describe the successful use of zone III REBOA by a surgeon-staffed emergency medical service ("doctor car") to rapidly stabilize and safely transfer a 62-year-old man with a severe bleeding pelvic fracture. Upon arrival at the trauma center, the patient underwent immediate definitive treatments, including preperitoneal pelvic packing and transarterial embolization. This case highlights the potential for integrating REBOA with physician-staffed emergency transport systems as a strategy to bridge critical gaps in regional trauma care networks and improve patient outcomes.
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Tags
Interfacility & critical care transport · Prehospital physicians · REBOA
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