Abstract: Objective To explore the clinical application of abdominal aorta balloon occlusion in cesarean section for patients with pernicious placenta previa(PPP). Methods The clinical data of 65 consecutive cases of PPP complicated with placenta accreta were retrospectively analyzed. Prophylactic abdominal aortic occlusion balloon catheter was placed transfemorally in the angiography room before surgery. Abdominal aorta occlusion was performed during the cesarean deliveries. The incidence of hysterectomia, estimated blood loss, number of transfused units of red blood cells and maternal radiation dose were recorded. Results The volume of bleeding was 200-4 500 mL(mean 1 520 mL), and transfused red blood cells was 0-3 600 mL(mean 1 040 mL). Hysterectomy was performed in 7 cases(10.8%). No serious materna1 and infant complications occurred during and after the surgery. Conclusion Balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta in cesarean section seems to be safe and effective in controlling bleeding and risks of hysterectomia. The radiation exposure is safe to infants. However, patients should be selected strictly according to the operative indications to avoid risks of complications.

Key words: Pernicious placenta previa, Placenta implantation, Abdominal aorta occlusion, Cesarean section