High-intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: an animal model.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the use of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFUS) to reduce uterine artery blood flow in ewes in the postpartum period.


METHODS
HIFUS was applied to the uterine arteries of seven ewes in the postpartum period. Arterial flow velocities were measured before and after the procedure at the site of HIFUS application (target), as well as 3 cm upstream and 3 cm downstream from the target. The uterine arteries were then removed for macroscopic and histological examination.


RESULTS
Maximum flow velocities in the target area increased after the procedure by 350% and those upstream from the target decreased by 65%. Macroscopically, the vessel diameter was shown to have reduced at the site of HIFUS application. Microscopically, both the endothelium and media showed thermal lesions. Tissues surrounding the arteries were macroscopically and microscopically normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure of uterine arteries to HIFUS reduces the vessel diameter and thus induces a dramatic increase in the maximum flow velocities within the target area. HIFUS may have a role in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
Nizard
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHIPS, Poissy, France.
Pessel
M
M
De Keersmaecker
B
B
Barbet
J P
JP
Ville
Y
Y
D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012756:Sheep; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply