A2 Refereed review article in a scientific journal

Effectiveness of External Hemorrhage Compression Device of the Abdominal Aorta in Hemorrhagic Shock: A Systematic Review of the Literature




AuthorsKuusisto, Jaakko; Mattila, Kalle; Iirola, Timo; Heino, Anssi

PublisherBreakaway Media, LLC

Publication year2025

JournalJournal of Special Operations Medicine

ISSN1553-9768

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.55460/FGHJ-K86Z

Web address https://doi.org/10.55460/fghj-k86z


Abstract

Introduction: Severe hemorrhage, notably non-compressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH) leading to hemorrhagic shock and traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA), represents a critical and chal-lenging condition in trauma resuscitation. Despite advance-ments in hemorrhage control for extremities, NCTH continues to present a significant barrier to survival, particularly in the prehospital setting. The abdominal aortic and junctional tour-niquet (AAJT), an external hemorrhage control device, has emerged as a promising tool for addressing junctional and ab-dominal hemorrhages, yet its clinical effectiveness remains inad-equately explored. This review assesses the efficacy of the AAJT in improving survival rates in patients with hemorrhagic shock. 
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted per PRISMA guidelines. Only English-language publications pub-lished between 2019 and 2024 were included. 
Results: Of the nine relevant publications identified, one was a descriptive case series, seven were animal model studies, and one examined the practicality of the AAJT when tested by combat medic techni-cians. 
​​​​​​​Conclusions: The sparse literature did not permit a proper systematic analysis or conclusions on the clinical effectiveness of AAJT in human patients. The AAJT remains a forward-thinking and viable option for improving trauma resuscitation protocols. Further studies, particularly randomized and controlled clinical trials, are required to advance this research.




Last updated on 2025-07-10 at 11:16