Abstract Although in Finland the incidence of maternal and neonatal mortality in labor is very low, labor carries some risks. This study focused on two major complications in labor: fetal asphyxia and maternal hemorrhage. The roles of fetal electrocardiographic ST-analysis (STAN) and pelvic artery embolization in the prevention and management of these complications were investigated. Intrapartum fetal monitoring aims at a timely detection of fetal hypoxemia. When non-selected parturients were randomly assigned to be monitored during labor either by STAN or conventional cardiotocography, no differences between the groups were detected in terms of neonatal outcome and operative delivery rates. Only the incidence of fetal blood sampling was lower in the STAN group. In the interpretation of the STAN tracings according to the guideline matrix provided by the STAN manufacturer, the interobserver agreement was moderate; in terms of clinical decision -making as to whether to intervene in the labor, this agreement varied from moderate to good among STAN-trained obstetricians. The aim of prophylactic pelvic artery occlusion balloon catheterization, with or without embolization, is to reduce hemorrhage in elective cesarean operations in patients with placenta accreta. Furthermore, pelvic arterial embolization may be performed post partum if bleeding continues after cesarean hysterectomy, or may serve as an alternative to hysterectomy. In the present study, pelvic artery catheterization and embolization did not reduce blood loss during cesarean delivery, nor did it decrease the need to perform hysterectomy in patients with placenta accreta. In the management of massive postpartum hemorrhage, pelvic artery embolization was most successful in patients with uterine atony, with a success rate of 75% in achieving hemostasis. However, the angiographic method included risk of complications, the most hazardous being thromboembolic complications. To conclude, STAN does not provide improvement in intrapartum fetal monitoring when compared to cardiotocography, but the need for fetal blood sampling is reduced. This may relate to the fact that subjective interpretation of STAN data is moderate at best. Prophylactic catheterization and embolization of pelvic arteries does not improve the surgical outcome of patients with placenta accreta. In the management of postpartum hemorrhage, pelvic artery embolization should be considered, especially in cases with uterine atony.

<p>Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) is a method in which a catheter is inserted into an artery under fluoroscopy guidance. By using material that creates a thrombus, inserted through the catheter, the artery can be occluded and the bleeding stopped.</p><p>Endoscopy is the treatment of choice in upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, but 10% to 30% of patients rebleed and needs other treatment options. Post Partum Hemorrhage (PPH) may evolve rapidly and can become life threatening. Obstetrical treatment will manage most cases, but in some cases emergency surgery is needed and in the worst case hysterectomy.</p><p>The primary aim of this thesis was to evaluate the clinical usefulness, improve the TAE technique and compare the outcome of TAE with surgery used as “salvage therapy” in patients with upper GI bleeding. Evaluate TAE technique and the long-term effect on the menstrual cycle and fertility in severe PPH.</p><p>To evaluate the clinical usefulness 13 patients were treated with TAE after endoscopic treatment failure and 5 were treated for recurrent hemorrhage after emergency surgery. </p><p>The clinical outcome and mortality rate of 40 patients treated with TAE was compared with 51 patients treated with surgery of upper GI bleedings. </p><p>In 13 patients the ulcer was marked with placement of a metallic clip at endoscopy to be able to locate the exact site of the bleeding ulcer during the TAE procedure.</p><p>A retrospective study of 20 patients with severe PPH treated with bilateral TAE of the uterine artery was performed. </p><p>TAE was found to be effective and an alternative to emergency surgery for control of massive upper GI bleeding. The 30-day mortality was lower in the TAE group (3%) compared to the surgical group (14%). </p><p>By marking the bleeding ulcer at endoscopy using a metallic clip the site of bleeding could be identified on angiography without extravasation of contrast media.</p><p>No major impact on fertility or menstruation cycle was found in patients treated with TAE in PPH. TAE in PPH is safe and have no major long-term side effect. By using TAE in PPH hysterectomy can be avoided.</p>

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) is a method in which a catheter is inserted into an artery under fluoroscopy guidance. By using material that creates a thrombus, inserted through the catheter, the artery can be occluded and the bleeding stopped. Endoscopy is the treatment of choice in upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, but 10% to 30% of patients rebleed and needs other treatment options. Post Partum Hemorrhage (PPH) may evolve rapidly and can become life threatening. Obstetrical treatment will manage most cases, but in some cases emergency surgery is needed and in the worst case hysterectomy. The primary aim of this thesis was to evaluate the clinical usefulness, improve the TAE technique and compare the outcome of TAE with surgery used as “salvage therapy” in patients with upper GI bleeding. Evaluate TAE technique and the long-term effect on the menstrual cycle and fertility in severe PPH. To evaluate the clinical usefulness 13 patients were treated with TAE after endoscopic treatment failure and 5 were treated for recurrent hemorrhage after emergency surgery. The clinical outcome and mortality rate of 40 patients treated with TAE was compared with 51 patients treated with surgery of upper GI bleedings. In 13 patients the ulcer was marked with placement of a metallic clip at endoscopy to be able to locate the exact site of the bleeding ulcer during the TAE procedure. A retrospective study of 20 patients with severe PPH treated with bilateral TAE of the uterine artery was performed. TAE was found to be effective and an alternative to emergency surgery for control of massive upper GI bleeding. The 30-day mortality was lower in the TAE group (3%) compared to the surgical group (14%). By marking the bleeding ulcer at endoscopy using a metallic clip the site of bleeding could be identified on angiography without extravasation of contrast media. No major impact on fertility or menstruation cycle was found in patients treated with TAE in PPH. TAE in PPH is safe and have no major long-term side effect. By using TAE in PPH hysterectomy can be avoided.