Control of Pelvic Blood Flow Using a Novel Pneumatic Abdominal Binder

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Obstetrical hemorrhage remains a primary cause of maternal mortality globally.
• Current treatments for postpartum hemorrhage are insufficient for all cases, necessitating innovative solutions.
• The "Ball and Binder" is an affordable, externally applied pneumatic compression device designed to manage hemorrhage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the impact of the "Ball and Binder" device on distal aortic blood flow.
• To assess the device's efficacy in reducing blood flow to the pelvic region.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving nine healthy volunteers was conducted.
• Distal aortic blood flow was measured before and after the application and inflation of the pneumatic abdominal binder.
• The "Ball and Binder" device, comprising a cloth binder and soccer ball, was utilized.

Main Results:

• Inflation of the "Ball and Binder" device resulted in a greater than 50% decrease in distal aortic blood flow.
• The device effectively reduced blood flow to the pelvic area.

Conclusions:

• The inexpensive "Ball and Binder" pneumatic external abdominal compression device demonstrates significant potential in reducing pelvic blood flow.
• This device offers a promising adjunctive therapy for rapid management of postpartum hemorrhage cases refractory to standard initial interventions.