Endovascular treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
Transcatheter arterial embolization is a minimally invasive intervention developed from diagnostic angiography. The evolution of endovascular techniques, including arterial embolization and the use of occlusion balloons, has established a role for the interventional radiologist in the setting of uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage. Arterial embolization of the uterine arteries as an alternative to hysterectomy has the advantages of being a minimally invasive treatment that preserves uterus without eliminating the possibility of future surgical intervention if necessary. Although arterial embolization has progressively become a standard of care over the last 30 years, its impact on future fertility still remains controversial.
Lee
Justin S
JS
Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia 20007, USA. Jsl108@gunet.georgetown.edu
Shepherd
Suzanne M
SM
D021721:Balloon Occlusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D055357:Uterine Artery Embolization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*