Tamponade-balloon for obstetrical bleeding.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effectiveness of a large volume, fluid-filled tamponade balloon in the management of post-partum hemorrhage originating from the implantation site of low-lying placenta/placenta previa.

METHODS: A silicone, fluid-filled balloon was designed for tamponade function, with a filling capacity volume of 500 cc of sterile saline, and strength to withstand a maximum internal and external pressure of 300 mmHg. Five women with postpartum bleeding caused by low-lying placenta/placenta previa, and one woman with cervical ectopic pregnancy, underwent a tamponade balloon insertion as a conservative measure in the management of bleeding.

RESULTS: The tamponade balloon was used in five women with post-partum bleeding caused by low-lying placenta/placenta previa, and in one woman with cervical pregnancy. The 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.