Background: Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death for both civilian and battlefield injuries. Hemorrhage from pelvic vascular wounds is of concern since it is difficult to control before surgical intervention. This has resulted in renewed interest in developing presurgical endovascular approaches to hemorrhage control. However, it is likely that other short-term techniques may be needed as a bridge to such approaches. We tested a prototype device called the pelvic hemostasis belt (PHB) for its ability to reduce or halt blood flow in a lethal model of pelvic arterial injury.
Methods: Seventeen male swine, 42 (5.2)kg were anesthetized, instrumented, and then randomized into three groups (control, military antishock trousers [MAST], and PHB). Animals underwent laparotomy with placement of a 4-0 stainless steel monofilament suture through the right iliac artery. The laparotomy was closed, and the iliac suture was exteriorized. Hemorrhage was produced by pulling the suture through the iliac artery. In both PHB and MAST groups, the devices were applied over the pelvis and lower abdomen for 60 minutes, followed by release and monitoring for 30 minutes or until the animal expired. Hetastarch (500 mL) was infused immediately after commencement of hemorrhage.
Results: All PHB group animals and only two from the MAST group survived for 60 minutes. Mean (SD) survival time for the control group was 13 (12.3) minutes. Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) survival analysis demonstrated a significant difference in survival time when comparing all groups (p < 0.0001) as well as when comparing PHB and MAST groups (p = 0.018). Significant differences were noted between groups in mean arterial pressure, lactate, and central venous hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels.
Conclusion: The PHB was successful in improving survival for 60 minutes after a lethal vascular injury. Such a device may be helpful to bridge endovascular methods of hemorrhage control.