[Transcatheter arterial embolization in intractable postpartum hemorrhage]

To asses the value of transcatheter arterial embolization treatment in intractable postpartum hemorrhage.

Fourteen patients of postpartum hemorrhage failed to the drugs treatment were performed transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Superselective catheterization to the bilateral uterial arteries or anterior branches of internal iliac arteries was carried out after intubation to single-side femoral artery by Seldinger's technique. When the catheter tip was proved in right place by digital substraction angiography (DSA) techniques, antibiotic solution was poured into arteries and then the arterial embolization with gelfoam particles was followed.

All the patients were performed TAE successfully. The duration of TAE was 30-50 minutes [mean (41.8 +/- 6.4) minutes]. Bleeding was found in DSA mostly as diffuse intrauterine flow outward sign from one side or both side of uterial artery branches. After one time of TAE, the vaginal bleeding of all patients was stopped in 3-10 minutes [mean (6.1 +/- 3.6) minutes]. The follow-up showed that all patients had normal menstrual periods in 2-60 months and no serious complications were found.

With the characteristic of fast homeostasis and less complications, TAE was proved to be an effective method for intractable postpartum hemorrhage.