Innovative care for women at high risk of bleeding during delivery
15 December 2024, Doha, Qatar - Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has become the first hospital in the region to successfully perform a high-risk cesarean section (C-section) in its state-of-the-art angiography suite. The procedure, a collaboration between the hospital's Interventional Radiology (IR) and Obstetrics teams, marks a significant advancement in maternal care for high-risk pregnancies.
The angiography suite - a highly specialized operating room equipped with advanced imaging technology - provides the ideal environment for procedures requiring precise image guidance. For patients at high risk of bleeding during delivery, performing the C-section in this setting allows for immediate access to critical interventions like endovascular embolization.
Prof. Johnny Awwad, Chair of Women’s Services at Sidra Medicine, said: "Traditionally, IR teams have provided backup support for high-risk deliveries performed in the obstetrics operating rooms (OR). However, patient transfer times from the obstetrics OR to the IR suite are lengthy, especially when patients are unstable and we have to factor several safety protocols. This multidisciplinary collaboration between obstetrics and IR, is what makes a difference in successfully managing high-risk pregnancies. It truly sets our hospital apart in terms of offering women in Qatar, access to the most innovative therapies, expert teams and transformative care.”
Performing C-sections for high-risk patients directly in the angiography suite, can significantly reduce transfer times from the obstetrics waiting room to the IR from approximately 60 minutes to zero. This approach will allow for faster intervention if bleeding occurs.
Dr. Walid Mubarak, Interventional Radiology Attending Physician and Clinical Lead at Sidra Medicine, said: "For women at high risk of postpartum hemorrhage, this technique can be lifesaving. The angiography suite allows us to instantly access cutting-edge technology and perform minimally invasive procedures. We can quickly navigate the patient's blood vessels with tiny catheters and precisely deliver embolic agents to stop bleeding. This minimizes blood loss and significantly improves the chances of a healthy outcome for both mother and baby."
Sidra Medicine's pioneering approach to addressing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) offers a critical solution for one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Affecting approximately 1-10 percent1 of deliveries, PPH is responsible for about 27 percent of maternal deaths globally. Sidra Medicine's innovative use of an angiography suite for high-risk deliveries sets a new benchmark for maternal care.
Dr. Ashley Robinson, Vice Chair of Radiology at Sidra Medicine, said: "This achievement demonstrates the power of integrated care, which is central to Sidra Medicine's approach. In addition to IR and Obstetrics, we have adult anesthesia and dedicated neonatal intensive care specialists present, ensuring seamless, coordinated care for both mother and baby, all within the angiography suite. This innovative approach enhances safety and care for women undergoing high-risk deliveries.”
Patients at Sidra Medicine who are considered at risk for bleeding during delivery are encouraged to discuss this approach with their obstetrician to determine if it is the right option for them. Contact us at 4003 3333 to learn more about our maternity services.