Postpartum hemorrhage and arterial embolization

Postpartum hemorrhage remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality for the obstetric patient. A timely, stepwise approach to management can reduce the negative impact of this complication. Improvements in pharmacotherapy and surgical techniques have also improved outcome. Uterine artery embolization is an especially promising approach to the management of severe or refractory obstetric hemorrhage which is generally underutilized but has several advantages over other more traditional techniques.