effect of external aortic compression on contrast distribution below the compressed area in an experimental pig model

External aortic compression is an effective maneuver used to temporarily reduce bleeding in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and reduces blood flow to all vessels below the compressed area. (1) When treating PPH, drugs like tranexamic acid and uterotonics are given intravenously to reach their effect site below the aortic bifurcation.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of external aortic compression on distribution of contrast, as a substitute for drug distribution, with different degrees of compressed aorta using a prototype of a device for external aortic compression (ExAC Device, ExAC AS, Norway) in a pig model.