HMN 2025: How Abdominal tourniquet device offers new hope for maternal survival from postpartum hemorrhage

A newly published clinical study reveals a potential breakthrough in the treatment of refractory postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal death worldwide.

Published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, the study, “Temporary aortic occlusion with the abdominal tourniquet for refractory postpartum hemorrhage,” documents the first known clinical use of the Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet–Stabilized (AAJT-S) for obstetric emergencies.

Led by Dr. Yevheniia Poliakova of Olexandrivska Hospital and Dr. Viktor Oshovskyy of Uniklinika Medical Center, the prospective study followed four women with severe PPH caused by uterine atony. All had failed standard interventions—including uterotonics such as Pitocin and balloon tamponade—and were experiencing uncontrolled bleeding. In each case, the AAJT-S was applied to the abdomen to achieve temporary aortic occlusion and all bleeding was stopped.

The result: Complete hemorrhage control in less than two minutes. The AAJT-S remained safely in place for up to 45 minutes, providing precious time to assemble surgical teams, administer anesthesia, and secure blood products. No device-related complications were observed, including thrombosis or ischemic injury.

The AAJT-S is a belt-like system that has an inflatable, 8-inch wide, wedge-shaped bladder that when expanded, compresses the underlying blood vessels and prevents blood flow. In the case of PPH, the device is placed over the umbilicus, after the fetus is delivered and inflated. When the pressure gauge displays a green band, all blood flow to the uterus has been stopped.

“Ukraine continues to face the devastating consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion, placing enormous strain on our health care system,” said Dr. Poliakova. “In this context, the AAJT-S represents a novel and potentially life-saving application for postpartum hemorrhage.

“Its portability and ease of use make it an invaluable tool in unstable, low-resource settings—giving us the most precious resource: time. Time to assemble the team and provide the care needed to save a woman’s life.”

In one case, bleeding ceased completely after device removal, eliminating the need for surgery or further transfusion. In others, the AAJT-S provided a vital bridge to definitive care—especially significant in a setting where whole blood must be rationed and delays can mean the difference between life and death.

This study exemplifies how innovation in trauma care, a critical aspect in today’s health care discussions, isn’t just confined to the battlefield; it’s needed globally, particularly in the field of maternal health, said Scott Dodson, CEO of Compression Works.

“The AAJT-S is proving to be more than a trauma device; it’s a platform technology for hemorrhage control that can bridge the gap between crisis and care anywhere in the world. We’re proud to support clinicians who are saving lives under the most challenging conditions.”

This study supports a growing shift in emergency care: pushing hemorrhage control forward—even in environments lacking surgical infrastructure. As with battlefield trauma, maternal survival hinges on the speed and reliability of early bleeding control.

The AAJT-S can be applied anywhere and by those with only limited medical training. Women who suffer from this condition often lose massive amounts of their blood, placing them in shock very quickly unless the situation is addressed.

“We’ve long understood the physiological rationale for using the AAJT-S in postpartum hemorrhage,” said Dr. John Croushorn, Chief Medical Officer at Compression Works. “But seeing it deliver on that promise—in a delivery room under siege, with no blood, no operating room, and no time—is deeply rewarding. These are real women, real lives, and real moments where this device made the difference.”

Provided by
Compression Works