Interventional radiologists are often called for emergent control of abnormal uterine bleeding. Bleeding, even heavy bleeding as a result of uterine fibroids is not a common emergent procedure; instead, pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions, trauma and malignancy associated with bleeding can be the source of many interventional radiology on call events or procedures. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the most common cause, and is defined as blood loss of 500mL after vaginal delivery or 1000mL after cesarean section. Several authors have suggested a simpler definition of any amount of blood loss that creates hemodynamic instability in the mother. Regardless, PPH can be a life-threatening emergency and is a leading cause of maternal mortality requiring prompt action. Primary PPH is bleeding within the first 24 hour of delivery and secondary PPH is hemorrhage that occurs more than 24 hour after delivery. In addition to death, other serious morbidity resulting from postpartum bleeding includes shock, adult respiratory distress syndrome, coagulopathy, and loss of fertility due to hysterectomy. Transcatheter uterine artery embolization was first introduced as a treatment for PPH in 1979. It is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive, extremely safe and effective treatment for controlling excessive bleeding of the female reproductive track usually after conservative measures have failed, yet somewhat underused. Referring providers have limited awareness of the procedure. In hospitals where interventional radiologists have the experience and technical expertise to perform pelvic arteriography and embolization, this therapeutic option can play a pivotal role in the management of emergent obstetric hemorrhage.
Acute limb ischemia is technically defined as ischemia of the lower extremities lasting 14 days or less. The condition affects between 15 and 26 persons per 100,000 each year in the United States. The associated morbidity and mortality is extremely high, with 1-year mortality rates reported at over 40%. Acute limb ischemia is 20 times more common in the lower extremities than the upper extremities. Both interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons bring unique skills to the table in caring for these patients, and therefore should approach the care of these patients in a multidisciplinary manner to ensure the best outcomes for each patient. Patients should be classified according to the Rutherford classification scale for acute limb ischemia. Catheter-directed thrombolysis can be a viable treatment alternative for these patients, offering a minimally invasive option to patients with outcomes similar to surgery. It is important to know the presentation, physical examination, risks and benefits, as well as the techniques and equipment required to treat patients with acute lower limb ischemia.
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