Hemorrhage management using a Foley catheter for uterine suction

Abstract

Uterine atony is a common cause of hemorrhage in the postpartum period and after a miscarriage, but there are limitations on the current approved devices for the management thereof. A Foley catheter is inserted into the uterine cavity and attached to suction for vacuum-induced hemorrhage control. The technique has been used across trimesters and in the case of Müllerian anomaly. Bleeding typically resolves within 5 minutes of applying the Foley catheter for uterine suction. Using a readily available Foley catheter for uterine suction offers a practical approach to managing hemorrhage, both in resource-limited settings and in cases for which no alternative device is available.

Keywords: Foley catheter; maternal mortality prevention; postpartum hemorrhage; uterine suction; vacuum-induced hemorrhage control.