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.
Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia 20007, USA. Jsl108@gunet.georgetown.edu
Justin S
JS
Lee
Suzanne M
SM
Shepherd
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*