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Post-Partum Haemorrhage & Pelvic Bleeding — Emergency Embolization

Interventional Radiology · Cochin Hospital AP-HP · Paris

️ ri.cch@aphp.fr +33 1 58 41 46 12
IR Home›Post-Partum Haemorrhage & Pelvic Bleeding — Emergency Embolization
🚨 Emergency · Haemorrhage

Emergency Embolization — Post-partum Haemorrhage & Pelvic Bleeding

Uterine artery embolization · PPH · Uterus preserved · 24/7 interventional radiology · Cochin AP-HP

Overview

Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. When uterotonics and surgical manoeuvres fail to control bleeding, uterine artery embolization (UAE) is the technique of choice to achieve haemostasis while preserving the uterus. Cochin AP-HP provides 24/7 emergency interventional radiology for this and other obstetric/pelvic haemorrhage scenarios.

UAE for PPH has a success rate of 85–92% in controlling haemorrhage, with uterus preservation in most cases. Future pregnancies are possible in the majority of patients.

Postpartum haemorrhage embolization at a glance — At a glance

Uterine artery embolization stops severe bleeding after childbirth, preserving the uterus and avoiding emergency hysterectomy.

Criterion Data
EffectivenessBleeding controlled in 85–95% of cases
UterusPreserved
Future fertilityPreserved; pregnancies after embolization are well documented
CostCovered by French national health insurance at Cochin AP-HP — no out-of-pocket fees

Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité.

Indications

  • Post-partum haemorrhage refractory to uterotonics (oxytocin, carbetocin, prostaglandins) and uterine massage
  • PPH after caesarean section — including placenta accreta/increta/percreta
  • Pelvic fracture with haemodynamically significant arterial bleeding
  • Post-surgical pelvic haemorrhage (gynaecological, urological, colorectal surgery)
  • Haemorrhage from uterine fibroids or AVM

Procedure

1
Emergency activation

IR team activated by obstetrics/emergency team. Patient transferred to angiography suite — directly from delivery suite or ICU.

2
Femoral access under local anaesthesia

Bilateral femoral access in most cases. Simultaneous catheterisation of both uterine arteries.

3
Angiography and embolization

Pelvic angiography to identify bleeding source. Selective uterine artery embolization with Gelfoam particles (resorbable) or coils. Procedure time: 20–40 minutes.

4
Post-procedure monitoring

Intensive care monitoring as required. Clinical assessment at 2 and 24 hours. UAE does not preclude further surgery if required.

FAQs

Yes. Studies show fertility is preserved in 70–80% of cases. UAE uses resorbable embolic agents (Gelfoam) that allow uterine artery recanalisation over weeks to months. Subsequent pregnancies have been reported with good outcomes, though obstetric monitoring is recommended.
Yes. Cochin AP-HP maintains a 24/7 interventional radiology on-call service for emergency procedures including post-partum haemorrhage.

Frequently asked questions

It is the emergency blocking of the uterine arteries through a catheter to stop severe bleeding after childbirth, performed percutaneously and preserving the uterus.
Bleeding is controlled in 85–95% of cases, avoiding emergency hysterectomy in the great majority of women.
Fertility is preserved, and pregnancies after uterine artery embolization for postpartum haemorrhage are well documented.
Yes. At Cochin AP-HP (a French public hospital), this procedure is covered by national health insurance with no out-of-pocket fees. Contact ri.cch@aphp.fr or +33 1 58 41 46 12.

Related pages

Why this page is trustworthy

Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.

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