Inflatable intrauterine balloon

An inflatable balloon apparatus for treating obstetrical hemorrhaging, the apparatus comprising:

• an inflatable balloon comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer being inflatable to an inflated configuration to take on a shape of an obstetrical site to be controlled, the outer layer being positionable against a wall of the obstetrical site to control flow of blood from the wall, wherein in the inflated configuration, the balloon comprises a chamber between the inner layer and the outer layer for receiving flow of blood from the obstetrical site;
• an insufflation tube coupled to the inner layer of the balloon for communication of a distending medium to inflate the balloon;
• and
• an internal drain tube comprising an inserted end and a port at the inserted end, the drain tube being coupled to the chamber of the balloon, the drain tube being configured for draining blood or other fluids from the obstetrical site via the chamber of the balloon.

A balloon apparatus for treating obstetrical hemorrhaging, the apparatus comprising:

• an inflatable balloon configured to be inserted into an obstetrical site, the balloon having a single layer, an external surface, and a tread structure formed on the external surface of the balloon, the tread structure defining innermost and outermost surfaces and a chamber collectively formed by grooves of the tread structure, the tread structure protruding from the external surface, the tread structure defining a chamber of the balloon to provide a space between the single layer and a wall of the obstetrical site;
• an insufflation tube coupled to the balloon for communication of a distending medium to inflate the balloon;
• and
• a drain tube coupled to the chamber of the balloon for draining blood or other fluids from the obstetrical site via the chamber of the balloon.

A method for treating obstetrical hemorrhaging, the method comprising:

• inserting an inflatable balloon into an obstetrical site, the balloon comprising an inner layer and an outer layer;
• inflating the inner layer via an insufflation tube coupled to the inner layer until the outer layer is positioned against and takes on a shape of the obstetrical site;
• permitting flow of blood from the obstetrical site along the outer layer via an internal drain tube fluidly coupled to the outer layer;
• and
• draining blood and other fluids from the obstetrical site via a port at an inserted end of the drain tube.