Ultrasound-Guided Resuscitation in Open Aortic Surgery - The AORTUS Trial
Abstract
Introduction: Major abdominal aortic surgery requires significant fluid resuscitation in the post-operative phase. Patients are at significant risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality which can be affected by the approach to post-operative fluid resuscitation. Point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) has evolved as a tool to perform whole-body assessments at the bedside to augment the physical exam and guide the resuscitation of the critically ill. This study will aim to explore the value of rigorous goal-directed resuscitation in aortic surgery using point of care ultrasonography (POCUS).
Methods: In an open-label, randomized, feasibility trial we enrolled 17 patients to receive resuscitation guided by either POCUS or usual care
Results: We observed that the trial protocol as designed met all of our pre-specified feasibility metrics
Conclusion: The use of POCUS in guiding post-operative fluid resuscitation is feasible and utilizing this protocol to design a study powered to detect statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes is warranted.