Prophylactic perioperative temporary occlusion of the internal iliac arteries in placenta previa with risk of hemorrhage: Case series

Obstetric hemorrhage is a concerned problem due to increasing maternal mortality. Placenta previa may increase the risk of antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum hemorrhage. The distance between placental lower ridge and internal os of uterine cervix less than 2cm significantly increases the likelihood of postpartum hemorrhage. Embolization of the internal iliac arteries for emergency obstetric hemorrhage had been proven effective for hemostasis. We report four pregnant women with placenta previa, considered high risk of hemorrhage by obstetric doctors and referred to radiology department for perioperative temporary occlusion of the internal iliac arteries using balloon catheters prior to the scheduled caesarean delivery.