Tamponade-balloon for obstetrical bleeding

Objectives: To study the effectiveness of a large volume, fluid-filled tamp onade balloon in the management of post-partum hemorrhage originating from the implantation site of low-lying placenta/placenta previa. Methods: A sil icone, fluid-filled balloon was designed for tamponade function, with a fil ling capacity volume of 500 cc of sterile saline, and strength to withstand a maximum internal and external pressure of 300 mmHg. Five women with post partum bleeding caused by low-lying placenta/placenta previa, and one woman with cervical ectopic pregnancy, underwent a tamponade balloon insertion a s a conservative measure in the management of bleeding. Results: The tampon ade balloon was used in five women with post-partum bleeding caused by low- lying placenta/placenta previa, and in one woman with cervical pregnancy. T he balloon was effective in controlling post-partum hemorrhage originating from the placental site of the lower uterine segment, and bleeding from the implantation site of cervical ectopic pregnancy. Conclusion: Hemostasis in cases of post-partum bleeding caused by low-lying placenta/placenta previa can be achieved by using a large volume, fluid-filled tamponade balloon. ( C) 2001 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. All rights r eserved.