Postpartum Hemorrhage in Coagulopathic Patients: Preliminary Experience with Uterine Arterial Embolization with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

Fertility after Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Obstetric Hemorrhage: An Urban Health Care System Observational Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate pregnancy rate, pregnancy outcomes, and resumption of menses after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for obstetric hemorrhage (OH).

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty-seven patients who underwent TAE for OH from 2006 to 2020 within an urban, multihospital health care system were identified retrospectively. Selected patients were interviewed by phone to complete a survey with a primary outcome of self-reported pregnancy in those seeking pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included pregnancy outcomes and resumption of menses. Univariate testing of association of pregnancy and miscarriage rate with embolic agent was performed using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Thirty-three of 50 patients (66%) meeting the inclusion criteria completed the survey on fertility, a median of 47 (range, 13-123) months after TAE for OH. Of the 13 patients who attempted pregnancy, there was a pregnancy rate of 77% and miscarriage rate of 38%. Those who delivered live newborns conceived spontaneously, carried to term, and delivered a healthy newborn via cesarean section at a weight appropriate for gestational age. Thirty (91%) patients resumed menstruation, and the majority with unchanged frequency. Most patients underwent bilateral uterine artery embolization with radial artery access (54%). The most common embolic agents used were gelfoam only (30%) and glue only (24%). There was no statistically significant association between embolic agent and pregnancy or miscarriage rate.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous pregnancy with live birth and resumption of menses can occur in a majority of patients after TAE for OH.

KEY POINTS

· Most patients who attempted pregnancy after TAE for OH achieved pregnancy.. · Most patients who became pregnant conceived spontaneously and delivered healthy newborns at term.. · Most patients resumed menstruation after TAE for OH.. · There was no significant association between type of embolic and pregnancy or miscarriage rate..

Usefulness of transcatheter arterial embolization for eighty-three patients with secondary postpartum hemorrhage: Focusing on difference in angiographic findings

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has been widely used as an effective and a safe treatment method and was often used as an alternative to the surgical management, but there are limited studies on the efficacy and the safety for patients undergoing their secondary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

AIM

To evaluate the usefulness of TAE for secondary PPH focusing on the angiographic findings.

METHODS

We conducted a research from January 2008 to July 2022 on all 83 patients (mean: 32 years, range: 24-43 years) presented with secondary PPH and they were treated with TAE in two university hospitals. The medical records and angiography were retrospective reviewed in order to evaluate the patients’ characteristics, delivery details, clinical status and peri-embolization management, angiography and embolization details, technical/clinical success and complications. The group with active bleeding sign and the group without it were also compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

On angiography, 46 (55.4%) patients showed active bleeding signs such as contrast extravasation (n = 37) or pseudoaneurysm (n = 8) or both (n = 1), and 37 (44.6%) patients showed non-active bleeding signs such as only spastic uterine artery (n = 2) or hyperemia (n = 35). In the active bleeding sign group there were more multiparous patients, low platelet count, prothrombin time prolongation, and high transfusion requirements. The technical success rates were 97.8% (45/46) in active bleeding sign group and 91.9% (34/37) in non-active bleeding sign group, and the overall clinical success rates were 95.7% (44/46) and 97.3% (36/37). An uterine rupture with peritonitis and abscess formation occurred to one patient after the embolization, therefore hysterostomy and retained placenta removal were performed which was a major complication.

CONCLUSION

TAE is an effective and a safe treatment method for controlling secondary PPH regardless of angiographic findings.

Comparison of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and polyvinyl alcohol particles for bronchial artery embolisation in primary lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) is an effective treatment option to control haemoptysis in primary lung cancer. However, no studies have investigated optimal embolisation material for BAE in lung cancer patients. Thus, this study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of BAE performed using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles in primary lung cancer patients to determine which embolic material is better for patients with haemoptysis.

METHODS

This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and consent was waived. The rates of hemostasis, complications, procedure time, dose-area product, and haemoptysis-free survival were retrospectively compared between primary lung cancer (non-small cell [n = 111] and small cell [n = 11]) patients who underwent BAE using NBCA (n = 58) or PVA particles (n = 64) between January 2004 and December 2019. Predictors of recurrent haemoptysis were analysed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

RESULTS

Among 122 patients (mean age, 66 ± 10 years; range 32-86 years; 103 men), more patients in the NBCA group (81.0%; 47 of 58) achieved complete hemostasis than did patients in the PVA group (53.1%; 34 of 64) (P = 0.002). No major complications were observed in either group. The procedure time (36.4 ± 21.6 vs. 56.3 ± 27.4 min, P < 0.001) was shorter, and the dose-area product (58.6 ± 64.0 vs. 233.5 ± 225.0 Gy*cm², P < 0.001) was smaller in the NBCA group than in the PVA group. The median haemoptysis-free survival was 173.0 in the NBCA group compared with 20.0 days in the PVA group (P < 0.001). The PVA use (P < 0.001) and coagulopathy (P = 0.014) were independent predictors of shortened haemoptysis-free survival.

CONCLUSION

BAE using NBCA showed significantly superior initial hemostasis with longer haemoptysis-free survival, shorter procedure time, and reduced radiation dose than BAE using PVA particles. The PVA use and coagulopathy were independent predictors of recurrent haemoptysis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) Using N-Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) as the First Choice for Postpartum Vulvovaginal Hematoma; Case Series and Reviews of the Literature

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has long been reported to be safe, effective, and to have a high clinical and technical success rate for vulvovaginal hematoma. We used a permanent embolic material, diluted N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA), for the first choice intervention for six cases of vulvovaginal hematoma, in order to confirm the effectiveness of NBCA. Regarding post-embolization adverse events, we did not observe any fever nor necrosis or pain in the vaginal wall or vulva, in all cases. The use of NBCA as a first-line treatment for TAE of vulvovaginal hematoma is considered to be effective, in the following two ways: First, hemostasis can be achieved by adjusting the mixing ratio of NBCA and lipiodol, according to the distance between the tip of the catheter and the site of injury. Second, NBCA does not cause complications such as pain, necrosis, or infection, and it can be used safely. There are no reports clearly recommending NBCA as the first choice in the treatment of TAE for vulvovaginal hematoma. This is the first report to examine the efficacy and safety of NBCA as the first-line intervention for such cases.

Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization Using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in Cirrhotic Patients

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for treatment of bleeding in cirrhotic patients.

Materials and methods

A total of 35 cirrhotic patients (26 men, 9 women; mean age, 48.4 ± 11.1) who underwent TAE with NBCA for bleeding from January 2011 to December 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Only cirrhotic patients with active arterial bleeding confirmed on computed tomography (CT) were included. Fifteen patients were hemodynamically unstable before embolization procedure, and coagulopathy was observed in 32 patients. The mean MELD score and Child Pugh score were 24 ± 9.9 and 9.9 ± 2.2, respectively. The mean haemoglobin level and mean number of RBC units transfused before embolization were 7.4 ± 1.4 g/dL and 10.2 ± 4, respectively. The technical, clinical success rate and 30-day mortality rate were evaluated.

Results

Technical success and clinical success rates were achieved in 100% and 82.8% of patients, respectively. Overall 30-day mortality rate was 48%. No major complications related to the embolization procedure was seen. Only the greater number of RBC units transfused before the embolization procedure (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.17-2.80, P = 0.007) was significantly associated with clinical failure. Greater number of RBC units transfused (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.00-2.34, P = 0.004) and higher Child Pugh score (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.26-4.71, P = 0.008) were significantly associated with higher 30-day mortality rate.

Conclusion

Transcatheter arterial embolization using NBCA can be used as the effective treatment option for bleeding in cirrhotic patients which has a high technical and clinical success despite the grave prognosis associated with cirrhosis.

A preliminary animal study of thermal rheology fluid as a new temperature-dependent liquid intravascular embolic material

Purpose

Thermal rheology (TR) fluid, which comprises polyethylene (PE) particles, their dispersant, and solvent, is a material that increases in viscosity to various degrees depending on the type and ratio of these constituents when its temperature rises. The viscosity of type 1 (TRF-1) increases more than that of type 2 (TRF-2) near rabbit body temperature. This preliminary animal study aimed to determine the basic characteristics and embolic effect of TR fluid by comparing TRF-1 and TRF-2.

Materials and methods

Twenty-four Japanese white rabbits underwent unilateral renal artery embolization using TRF-1 or TRF-2 and follow-up angiography at 7 or 28 days (4 subgroups, n = 6 each). Subsequently, the rabbits were euthanized, and the embolized kidneys were removed for pathological examination. The primary and final embolization rates were defined as the ratio of renal artery area not visible immediately after embolization and follow-up angiography, respectively, to visualized renal artery area before embolization. The final embolization rate and maximum vessel diameter filled with PE particles were compared between materials. Moreover, the embolic effect was determined to be persistent when a two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in means between the embolization rates was < 5%.

Results

The final embolization rate was significantly higher for the TRF-1 than for the TRF-2 at both 7 (mean 80.7% [SD 18.7] vs. 28.4% [19.9], p = 0.001) and 28 days (94.0% [3.5] vs. 37.8% [15.5], p < 0.001). The maximum occluded vessel diameter was significantly larger for TRF-1 than for TRF-2 (870 µm [417] vs. 270 µm [163], p < 0.001). The embolic effect of TRF-1 was persistent until 28 days (difference between rates − 3.3 [95% CI − 10.0–3.4]).

Conclusion

The embolic effect of TRF-1 was more persistent than that of TRF-2, and the persistency depended on the type and ratio of TR fluid constituents.

Successful repeated uterine artery embolization in postpartum hemorrhage with disseminated intravascular coagulation: a case report and literature review

Background

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially fatal condition requiring urgent and appropriate intervention. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has a high hemostatic capacity for PPH, but it may fail. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has been reported as a risk factor associated with the failure of UAE.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old primigravida with dichorionic diamniotic twins and placenta previa underwent cesarean section. The blood loss during surgery was 4950 mL. Hemostasis was achieved using an intrauterine balloon tamponade device. However, she lost a further 2400 mL of blood 5 h after surgery. We embolized both uterine arteries using gelatin sponges and confirmed hemostasis. She was suffering from DIC and received ample blood transfusions. However, a further 1300 mL of blood was lost 18 h after surgery and we performed repeated UAE, with complete recanalization of the uterine arteries on both sides and re-embolization with gelatin sponges. Her DIC was treated successfully by blood transfusions at this time, and she showed no further bleeding after the repeated UAE.

Conclusions

DIC is a risk factor for the failure of UAE. Repeated UAE may be effective after sufficient improvement of the hematological status in patients with PPH and DIC.

Uterine Artery Embolization for Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a common source of morbidity and mortality for delivering mothers worldwide, resulting in greater than 100,000 deaths per annum. Pathologic postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss greater than 500 mL for vaginal deliveries and 1,000 mL for caesarean births, which occurs in up to 10% of deliveries. Severe postpartum hemorrhage can progress to shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and death. PPH is further characterized by time of onset; primary PPH occurs within 24 hours of parturition, and secondary PPH beyond that. Secondary hemorrhage is discussed in a separate article in this issue, this article will exclusively explore primary postpartum hemorrhage. PPH arises from a number of etiologies, including uterine atony, birth canal/perineal lacerations and intrapelvic arterial injuries. PPH is primarily managed by standard medical obstetric maneuvers including uterotonics, fundal massage, intrauterine (Bakri) balloon tamponade and direct control of hemorrhage where applicable. Definitive control with hysterectomy is preserved for hemorrhage refractory to conservative and minimally-invasive management. First described in 1979, angiography and trans-catheter embolization represent valuable tools in the control of postpartum hemorrhage of most etiologies. Embolization is an acceptable, effective alternative to hysterectomy, particularly in patients who desire future fertility. It has high clinical success rates and a body of literature supporting preserved post-embolization fertility.

Postpartum hemorrhage from non-uterine arteries: clinical importance of their detection and the results of selective embolization

Background Identification of the source of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is important for embolization because PPH frequently originates from non-uterine arteries. Purpose To evaluate the clinical importance of identifying the non-uterine arteries causing the PPH and the results of their selective embolization. Material and Methods This retrospective study enrolled 59 patients who underwent embolization for PPH from June 2009 to July 2016. Angiographic findings and medical records were reviewed to determine whether non-uterine arteries contributed to PPH. Arteries showing extravasation or hypertrophy accompanying uterine hypervascular staining were regarded as sources of the PPH. The results of their embolization were analyzed. Results Of 59 patients, 19 (32.2%) underwent embolization of non-uterine arteries. These arteries were ovarian (n = 7), vaginal (n = 5), round ligament (n = 5), inferior epigastric (n = 3), cervical (n = 2), internal pudendal (n = 2), vesical (n = 1), and rectal (n = 1) arteries. The embolic materials used included n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n = 9), gelatin sponge particles (n = 8), gelatin sponge particles with microcoils (n = 1), and polyvinyl alcohol particles (n = 1). In 13 patients, bilateral uterine arterial embolization was performed. Re-embolization was performed in two patients with persistent bleeding. Hemostasis was achieved in 17 (89.5%) patients. Two patients underwent immediate hysterectomy due to persistent bleeding. One patient experienced a major complication due to pelvic organ ischemia. One patient underwent delayed hysterectomy for uterine infarction four months later. Conclusion Non-uterine arteries are major sources of PPH. Detection and selective embolization are important for successful hemostasis.

Postpartum haemorrhage due to genital tract injury after vaginal delivery: safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolisation

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE) managing postpartum haemorrhage associated with genital tract injury (PPH-GTI) and to determine the factors associated with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

From 2002 to 2017, a retrospective analysis was performed in 60 patients (mean 31.5 years) undergoing TAE for PPH-GTI. Information regarding clinical data, angiography and embolisation details, and clinical outcomes was obtained. Univariate analyses were performed to determine the factors related to clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Technical and clinical success was achieved in 98% and 88%, respectively. Bleeding foci were observed on angiography in 56 patients (93%). The major bleeding artery was the vaginal artery (32%, 24/74), followed by the uterine artery (cervicovaginal branch) (n = 18), internal pudendal artery (n = 13), cervical artery (n = 9), inferior mesenteric artery (n = 4) and external pudendal artery (n = 3). Embolic agents were gelatin sponge particles (n = 23), gelatin sponge with permanent embolic agents (microcoils, n-butyl cyanoacrylate) (n = 34) and permanent embolic agents only (n = 3). In seven patients, bleeding control failed and was managed by repeat TAE (n = 5) or surgery (n = 2) and with eventual bleeding control in all of these patients. Univariate analysis showed that paravaginal haematoma, massive transfusion and long hospital stay were related to clinical failure. During the mean follow-up period of 33.1 months, regular menstruation resumed in 95.2% (40/42) and 14 of them became pregnant.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE is safe and effective for treating PPH-GTI. Massive transfusion, paravaginal haematoma and long hospital stay were related to the failure of bleeding control.

KEY POINTS

• PPH-GTI had a high detection rate of active bleeding foci on angiography. • Besides vaginal artery, inferior mesenteric and external pudendal arteries were notable bleeding foci. • Permanent embolic agents were used more than only gelatin sponge particles. • Paravaginal haematoma and massive transfusion were related to clinical failure. • TAE for PPH-GTI was safe and effective with preservation of menstrual cycles.

Primary postpartum hemorrhage: outcome of uterine artery embolization

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the management of primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and to determine the factors associated with clinical outcomes especially in relation to the ovarian artery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 33 patients who underwent UAE for primary PPH was performed. Clinical data were used regarding maternal characteristics, cause of bleeding, mode of delivery, bleeding onset after delivery, risk factors for PPH, presence of coagulopathy, details regarding the UAE procedure, and types of ovarian artery flow. We defined two types of ovarian artery flow by initial aortography before UAE (Type A: ovarian artery flow arose directly from the aorta to the uterine artery; Type B: ovarian artery flow that did not obviously arise from the aorta). Clinical success was defined as cessation of bleeding after UAE without the need for hysterectomy. Univariate analysis was performed to determine factors related to clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The major indication of UAE was uterine atony (82%; 27/33). Extravasation of contrast medium was observed in 15 (45%) patients. The clinical success rate was 85% (28/33). In five patients, embolization failed, and these patients were managed by hysterectomy. Univariate analysis showed that retained placental tissue (p < 0.001), type of ovarian artery (p < 0.001) and the existence of extravasation of contrast medium (p = 0.049) were related to the clinical success rate.

CONCLUSION

The clinical success rate was 85% (28/33), and some PPH patients were thought to need ovarian artery embolization in addition to UAE. Advances in knowledge: Initial aortography before UAE may be useful to predict the failure of UAE and the need of ovarian artery embolization. Obvious ovarian arterial blood flow to the uterus by aortography could be a warning sign.

Clinical outcomes of 23 patients who had repeat pelvic arterial embolisation for uncontrolled post-partum haemorrhage at a single centre

AIM

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of repeated pelvic arterial embolisation (PAE) for uncontrolled postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) after a single session of PAE and to compare angiographic findings between the two sessions of PAE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 23 consecutive patients (age range, 23-44 years) who underwent repeated PAE for uncontrolled PPH between March 2001 and January 2016 in Severance Hospital were reviewed. The interval times between the two sessions of PAE, the angiographic findings, embolic materials, arteries embolised during PAE, and the clinical outcomes were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Overall clinical success was achieved after repeated PAE in 21 of 23 patients (91.3%). There were no procedure-related, major complications. On angiography, active bleeding from the uterine collateral arteries was more frequently observed in the second session of PAE (p>0.05), and embolisation of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery was significantly higher during the second session of PAE. Use of permanent embolic materials was significantly higher during the second session of PAE. Recanalisation of a previously embolised artery was identified in 14 patients (60.9%) during the second session.

CONCLUSION

Repeated PAE is safe and effective for managing recurrent bleeding after a single session of PAE. Repeated PAE is related to a higher chance of embolisation of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery, with the use of permanent embolic materials. Recanalisation of a previously embolised artery seems to be a principal source of rebleeding during a repeated session of PAE.

Classification of uterine artery angiographic images: a predictive factor of failure in uterine artery embolization for postpartum hemorrhage

PURPOSE

To justify a classification system for angiographic images of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and identify new risk factors associated with failed embolization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 63 consecutive patients who underwent UAE for severe PPH was performed. Uterine artery angiography (UA) before embolization was classified into two types: type 1 was defined as complete staining and type 2 was defined as partial staining of the uterine arteries. The clinical outcome, UA classification, and other possible factors previously reported were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors related to clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients were enrolled (type 1, 22; type 2, 41). The clinical success rates of the primary UAE session were 90.9% (20/22) for type 1 and 61.0% (25/41) for type 2 (p = 0.018). Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the only UA classification was significantly associated with primary UAE failure (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

The UA classification is an independent predictive factor of the clinical success rate of the primary UAE session for PPH; thus, it is an intuitive and optimal predictor for interventional radiologists to decide whether additional therapy is necessary.

Emergent Uterine Arterial Embolization Using N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate in Postpartum Hemorrhage with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Although it is widely accepted that uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an effective therapeutic strategy for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), no consensus has been reached regarding the efficacy of UAE in patients with PPH with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients treated with UAE using NBCA for PPH between 2010 and 2015. The patients were divided into DIC and non-DIC groups, according to the obstetrical DIC score and the overt DIC diagnostic criteria issued by the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), and their clinical outcomes were compared. There were 28 patients treated with UAE using NBCA. Complete hemostasis was achieved by UAE in 19 of 28 patients. In eight of nine patients with unsuccessful hemostasis, surgical hemostatic interventions were performed after UAE, and hemostasis was achieved in seven patients. UAE using NBCA showed no significant intergroup differences in complete hemostasis according to the presence or absence of DIC based on obstetrical DIC score (70% versus 62.5%, P = 1.000) or ISTH DIC score (54.5% versus 76.5%, P = 0.409). UAE using NBCA may be a useful first-choice treatment for PPH with DIC.

Diagnosis of gynecological pseudoaneurysms and embolization with cyanoacrylate

Pseudoaneurysms of the uterine artery are an uncommon cause of severe gynecological bleeding secondary to surgical manipulation of the pelvis or to instrumental delivery. The different imaging techniques are of vital importance in the diagnosis. Angiography is the technique used for confirmation and also for treatment in many cases. Endovascular treatment by embolizing the pseudoaneurysm has become established as the treatment of choice, making it possible to avoid hysterectomy in women of childbearing age. This article presents two cases of gynecological bleeding due to pseudoaneurysms (one secondary to surgery and one secondary to childbirth) that were embolized in a novel way using cyanoacrylate.

Preliminary findings of arterial embolization with balloon-occluded and flow-dependent histoacryl glue embolization in a swine model

PURPOSE

To evaluate the potential usefulness of the balloon-occluded histoacryl glue embolization (B-glue) technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both flow-dependent (no balloon occlusion) and B-glue techniques were used for 24 intercostal arteries of two female swine. N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) was diluted with lipiodol to a 50 % solution, which was infused after occluding the arteries with microballoon catheters. The embolization range, fragmentation, reflux, adhesion, and glue particle attachment were compared between flow-dependent and B-glue techniques.

RESULTS

The B-glue technique was performed in a controlled fashion resulting in successful arterial occlusion without fragmented migration of the injected glue cast. Reflux occurred less frequently with the B-glue technique and was significantly different (p = 0.039) [Corrected] from that for the flow-dependent technique. Catheters were safely removed from the arterial walls, although in one instance (8.3 %), large glue particles were found to be attached to the catheter tip on removal. Conversely, the flow-dependent technique was more difficult to control and resulted in several instances of higher rates of fragmentation.

CONCLUSION

The B-glue technique can efficiently control NBCA delivery with lower rates of reflux.

Clinical outcome of transcatheter arterial embolization with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for control of acute gastrointestinal tract bleeding

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of trans-catheter arterial embolization (TAE) with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA), with or without other embolic materials for acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal tract bleeding, and to determine the factors associated with clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS. TAE using NBCA only or in conjunction with other materials was performed for 102 patients (80 male and 22 female patients; mean age, 61.3 years) with acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Technical success, clinical success, and clinical factors, including age, sex, bleeding tendency, endoscopic attempts at hemostasis, number of transfusions, and bleeding causes (i.e., cancer vs noncancer), were retrospectively evaluated. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate clinical factors and their ability to predict patient outcomes. Survival curves were obtained using Kaplan-Meier analyses and log-rank tests. RESULTS. There were 36 patients with cancer-related bleeding and 66 with non-cancer-related bleeding. Overall technical and clinical success rates were 100% (102/102) and 76.5% (78/102), respectively. Procedure-related complications included bowel infarction, which was noted in two patients. Recurrent bleeding and bleeding-related 30-day mortality rates were 15.7% (16/102) and 8.8% (9/102), respectively. Cancer-related bleeding increased clinical failure significantly (p = 0.003) and bleeding-related 30-day mortality with marginal significance (p = 0.05). Overall survival was poorer in patients with cancer-related bleeding. CONCLUSION. TAE with NBCA with or without other embolic agents showed high technical and clinical effectiveness in the management of acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Cancer-related bleeding was the only factor related to clinical failure, and possibly related to bleeding-related 30-day mortality.

Postpartum hemorrhage from extravasation or pseudoaneurysm: efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate and comparison with gelatin sponge particle

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for the treatment of active postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and compare the efficacy of NBCA with gelatin sponge particles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2004 to September 2013, 26 patients with PPH underwent TAE using NBCA as the primary embolic material. All patients were actively bleeding, and 12 (46.2%) had coagulopathy. TAE was performed using 1:2-1:4 mixtures of NBCA and ethiodized oil with or without use of a coil or gelatin sponge. To compare the efficacy of NBCA with conventional embolic material, 50 patients with active bleeding who underwent TAE using gelatin sponge were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Angiograms demonstrated pseudoaneurysm or extravasation or both. The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 92.3% (24 of 26 patients), respectively, for NBCA and 98% and 86.0% (43 of 50 patients), respectively, for gelatin sponge. In the NBCA group, one patient recovered with conservative management, and the other patient died because of multiorgan dysfunction. There were no major or minor procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE using NBCA as the primary embolic agent is an effective method for treating PPH with extravasation or pseudoaneurysm; NBCA is comparable to gelatin sponge particles. TAE using NBCA seems to fill pseudoaneurysms and make devascularization more effective than using gelatin sponge.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for secondary postpartum hemorrhage: outcome in 52 patients at a single tertiary referral center

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for the management of secondary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and to determine the factors associated with the clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 52 patients (mean age, 31.6 y; range, 25-40 y) undergoing TAE for secondary PPH was performed. Clinical data, including maternal characteristics, delivery details, embolization details, and transfusion requirements, were obtained. Univariate analyses were performed to determine the factors related to clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The major cause of bleeding was retained placental tissue (44.2%; 23 of 52). Actively bleeding foci were observed in 25 (48.1%) patients. Technical and clinical successes were achieved in 100% and 90.4% (47 of 52) of patients, respectively. Gelatin sponge particles with (n = 10) or without (n = 38) permanent embolic materials, such as microcoils or N-butyl cyanoacrylate, were most commonly used (92.3%; 48 of 52), whereas permanent embolic materials alone were used in 7.7% (4 of 52) of patients. In five patients, embolization failed, and these patients were managed by hysterectomy (n = 3), repeat TAE (n = 1), or conservative management (n = 1). Bleeding control was eventually achieved in all five patients. No maternal risk factors were related to clinical results. The median and mean follow-up periods were 3 months and 12.6 months (range, 1-62 mo). Regular menstruation resumed in all 44 patients with available follow-up, and 5 of the patients became pregnant.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE for secondary PPH is safe and effective and showed technical and clinical success in 100% and 90.4% of patients, respectively. Approximately half of these patients showed a positive bleeding focus, and the use of permanent embolic materials was also common.

Post-operative hemorrhage after myomectomy: safety and efficacy of transcatheter uterine artery embolization

Objective

To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of transcatheter uterine artery embolization (UAE) for post-myomectomy hemorrhage.

Materials and Methods

We identified eight female patients (age ranged from 29 to 51 years and with a median age of 37) in two regional hospitals who suffered from post-myomectomy hemorrhage requiring UAE during the time period from 2004 to 2012. A retrospective review of the patients' clinical data, uterine artery angiographic findings, embolization details, and clinical outcomes was conducted.

Results

The pelvic angiography findings were as follows: hypervascular staining without bleeding focus (n = 5); active contrast extravasation from the uterine artery (n = 2); and pseudoaneurysm in the uterus (n = 1). Gelatin sponge particle was used in bilateral uterine arteries of all eight patients, acting as an empirical or therapeutic embolization agent for the various angiographic findings. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was administered to the target bleeding uterine arteries in the two patients with active contrast extravasation. Technical and clinical success were achieved in all patients (100%) with bleeding cessation and no further related surgical intervention or embolization procedure was required for hemorrhage control. Uterine artery dissection occurred in one patient as a minor complication. Normal menstrual cycles were restored in all patients.

Conclusion

Uterine artery embolization is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective management option for controlling post-myomectomy hemorrhage without the need for hysterectomy.

Failed pelvic arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage: clinical outcomes and predictive factors

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical outcomes of failed pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) and determine predictive factors associated with this failure in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included all consecutive patients who underwent PAE for life-threatening PPH between March 2004 and January 2011 at a tertiary-care center. Medical records and imaging studies were reviewed to identify cases of failed PAE and their clinical outcomes. Multiple parameters were compared between the failed and successful PAE groups, and multivariate analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors associated with failed PAE.

RESULTS

PAE was performed in 257 patients (mean age, 32 y; range, 20-40 y). A total of 24 cases of PAE involved a failure to achieve hemostasis (9.3%). Patients in the failed PAE group experienced more major complications than those in the successful PAE group (37.5% [nine of 24] vs 9.4% [22 of 233]). Factors more frequently found in failed PAE included hemodynamic instability, hemoglobin level lower than 8g/dL, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and extravasation detected on angiography. After multivariate analysis, DIC emerged as the only significant predictive factor (odds ratio, 6.569; 95% confidence interval, 1.602-26.932; P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

PAE is an effective treatment for medically intractable PPH. However, PAE failed in a high percentage of patients and was commonly associated with major complications. DIC was the only significant predictor of failed PAE.

Pathological findings in a case of failed uterine artery embolization for placenta previa

The reported success rate of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for obstetrical hemorrhage is more than 90%. We experienced a case of failed UAE for postpartum hemorrhage, although an embolic particle was found pathologically in the uterine vessels without coagulation. A 42-year-old woman (gravida 7, para 2) with placenta previa had genital bleeding at 35 weeks of gestation, and cesarean section was performed. We immediately added UAE aiming to reduce massive bleeding after the cesarean section, successful embolization of the bilateral uterine arteries and internal iliac arteries were confirmed by angiography regardless the vital sign was recovered with an appropriate amount of transfusion; the massive bleeding recurred after 1 hour of UAE. Hysterectomy was performed and pathological findings of the uterus showed that there was no coagulation in the vessels, which was supposed to be observed by the effect of gelatin sponge. In addition, despite the fact that no coagulation was found, only one gelatin sponge was found in 16 slices of the uterine wall specimens. We speculate that thrombotic materials were caught in vasoconstricted vessels triggered by hypovolemic shock due to acute blood loss, and then the gelatin sponge could be washed out after recovering to normalized circulation status leading to recurrent massive hemorrhage.