From the Editor

Planning reduces the risk of maternal death. This tool helps.

Author and Disclosure Information

 

References

The balloon of the BT-Cath has a graded shape that conforms to the lower uterine segment. This feature may reduce the frequency with which the balloon protrudes through the cervix and into the vagina.

In some case series, the intrauterine balloon resulted in resolution of more than 80% of cases of OB hemorrhage.9-11 It is likely that the worldwide use of an intrauterine balloon could significantly reduce maternal mortality caused by hemorrhage.

Practice, practice, practice!

Firemen practice their response to fire scenarios. Pilots practice their response to various midair catastrophic events. Cardiovascular code teams practice their response to standard cardiac and respiratory arrest scenarios. OBs, OB anesthesiologists, and nurses would be wise to practice their team response to massive obstetric hemorrhage. A standardized plan, including an MTP, will reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

Pages

Recommended Reading

Jury Out on Antidepressant Use With Tamoxifen
MDedge ObGyn
Studies Raise Questions About Partial-Breast Irradiation
MDedge ObGyn
Octuplet Births Raise Ethical Dilemmas in IVF
MDedge ObGyn
FDA Strengthens Syncope Warning for Gardasil Vaccine
MDedge ObGyn
Botox May Boost QOL in Overactive Bladder : Treatment with 100 U 'may be the best dose in terms of balancing efficacy and safety.'
MDedge ObGyn
Robotic Surgery May Be Effective For Endometrial Cancer Staging
MDedge ObGyn
Prolapse Surgery Possible Without Hysterectomy
MDedge ObGyn
Study: Mesh Effective for Anterior Vaginal Prolapse
MDedge ObGyn
Neuropathy Found Rare After Gynecologic Surgery
MDedge ObGyn
Better Counseling Might Reduce Repeat Pregnancies in Teens
MDedge ObGyn