Traditional uterine tamponade and vacuum-induced uterine tamponade devices in obstetrical hemorrhage management

Abstract

Obstetrical hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the rates of severe hemorrhage are increasing. There is a crucial need to expand treatment options for hemorrhage to address this global crisis. Over the last decade, the evolution of hemorrhage control devices has contributed to advancements in obstetrical hemorrhage management. The number of existing hemorrhage control devices and techniques has increased markedly in recent years, and new devices are in development. The current evidence for established and investigational hemorrhage control devices has been summarized in this review. Of note, 2 main categories of devices exist: traditional uterine tamponade and vacuum-induced uterine tamponade. Although traditional intrauterine balloon tamponade devices are currently used widely in postpartum hemorrhage management, novel hemorrhage control devices and techniques have been developed. These include the minisponge tamponade device, the Jada System, a modified Bakri balloon technique, and a suction tube uterine tamponade technique. Reassuring safety data and preliminary efficacy data from pilot studies of these novel techniques support the powerful role intrauterine devices can play in obstetrical hemorrhage management. This review aimed to improve awareness of device options so that continued efforts can be made to integrate new technology into hemorrhage management protocols. Well-designed studies inclusive of new hemorrhage control devices are essential to understanding where new technology fits into preexisting obstetrical hemorrhage algorithms. In addition, access to new tamponade technology remains limited on a global scale. Programs aimed at both increasing access to devices and expanding educational initiatives are essential to make new technology a standard component for hemorrhage management.

Keywords: obstetrical hemorrhage; postpartum hemorrhage; uterine tamponade.