Project Overview

Current technologies for assisted vaginal delivery require the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor. These methods pose high injury risks to both the mother and infant. Forceps assisted delivery is often associated with lacerations and excessive blood loss to the mother, and superficial injuries to the infant.1 Vacuum-assisted delivery increases the risk of neonatal intracranial hemorrhages.2 In cases where neither of these techniques are successful, a Cesarean section is unavoidable. There is a need for a safer option for operative vaginal delivery to decrease the rate of birth trauma.

An alternative device that addresses this need was designed. The cylindrical, helically wound, braided device decreases radially when lengthened. It could be applied to the fetal head while it is in the birth canal to allow for a minimal, evenly distributed force, gripping the fetal head as the device is elongated by the operator. However, an applicator should be designed to increase the ease-of-use of the extraction device. While the extraction device could be functional alone, an applicator would reduce the need for operator training and expedite delivery to reduce the risks associated with prolonged labor. Together, the extraction device and applicator would allow for a safer delivery for both mother and fetus, and ultimately reduce the rate of birth trauma and Cesarean sections.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Alenna Beroza - Team Leader
• Kimberly Buchanan - Communicator
• Emily Junger - BSAC
• Ana Lara Santiago - BWIG & BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Dr. Joseph Towles - Advisor
• Dr. Jay Lick - Client

Related Projects

• Spring 2015: Infant Delivery Device for Vaginal Delivery
• Fall 2014: Infant delivery device for vaginal delivery
• Spring 2014: Infant delivery device for vaginal delivery