How the AAJT-S Bridged the Gap to Emergency Surgery in Four Postpartum Hemorrhage Cases
An open-label, prospective case series of four patients with refractory postpartum hemorrhage in which the AAJT-S applied in 90 seconds to the abdomen achieved full cessation of bleeding in every case, with no device-related complications.
Study: Open-label, prospective case series · Ukraine Poliakova Y, Oshovskyy V. Temporary aortic occlusion with the abdominal tourniquet for refractory postpartum hemorrhage: A proof-of-concept study in a war-affected region. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2026 Jan;172(1):582–587. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.70395
Investigators: Hospital obstetrics · Open-label prospective PPH series
Setting: Hospital · Obstetrics
Application site: Abdomen
Case ID: PCD-26-03
Clinical Case Summary
Synopsis
Injury, intervention, and outcome at a glance
- Condition: Postpartum hemorrhage
- 4 women with primary PPH (>1,000 mL blood loss)
- Refractory to standard measures
- Risk of life-threatening blood loss
- AAJT-S applied to abdomen. Inflated to 250 mmHg
- External aortic compression
- Bleeding controlled in all cases within 2 minutes of inflation
- Device maintained for mean 38.8 min (range 30–45 min)
- Bridge to definitive management
- 100% bleeding controlled in all 4 patients (4/4)
- 3 of 4 patients required surgical intervention after deflation
- 1 of 4 bleeding ceased spontaneously after deflation
- No device-related complications, thrombotic events, infections, or ischemic injuries
- All patients managed successfully
Refractory Postpartum Hemorrhage
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal mortality globally. When uterotonics, balloon tamponade, and surgical maneuvers fail, clinicians need a temporary aortic occlusion strategy that can be deployed quickly with limited specialist equipment.
Standard PPH Measures Exhausted
Despite first-line interventions bleeding remained uncontrolled in all four patients, placing them at immediate risk of hemodynamic collapse. The clinical team required a bridging intervention to stabilize patients while preparing for definitive surgical management.
AAJT-S Applied, Bleeding Controlled Within 2 Minutes
The AAJT-S was applied to the abdomen and inflated to 250 mmHg achieving temporary aortic occlusion. External bleeding was controlled in all cases within 2 minutes, providing critical time to mobilize the surgical team, prepare the operating theater, administer anesthesia, and deliver blood products. The device remained in place for a mean of 38.8 minutes.
100% Hemorrhage Control, No Complications
Upon deflation, three patients required immediate surgical intervention as bleeding resumed; one patient’s bleeding ceased spontaneously. No device-related complications, thrombotic events, infections, or ischemic injuries were observed across all four cases.
