Novel intrauterine balloon tamponade systems for postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage is the most common cause of maternal death worldwide. Although intrauterine balloon tamponade has been widely used as an effective procedure to control atonic postpartum hemorrhage, intrauterine balloon tamponade fails to control postpartum hemorrhage in approximately one-fifth of cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of novel intrauterine balloon tamponade systems for postpartum hemorrhage. Material and methods: We have developed two novel intrauterine balloon tamponade systems to maintain proper balloon placement. One was a shaft cover with its fixture system and the other was “the Kyoto balloon system” designed to provide direct pressure onto the upper uterine cavity. The efficacy of the intrauterine balloon tamponade systems was evaluated using a silicone three-dimensionally printed postpartum uterine cavity model. Results: Measurements of balloon displacement during inflation showed that the shaft cover significantly prevented the Bakri balloon from being displaced. The residual fluid volume in the upper uterine cavity was significantly less with the Kyoto balloon system than with the Bakri balloon system, indicating the effectiveness of the Kyoto balloon for upper uterine cavity tamponade. Conclusions: These innovative intrauterine balloon tamponade systems were effective for prevention of balloon displacement and for balloon tamponade of the upper uterine cavity in a 3D-printed postpartum-specific uterine cavity model.