ODON DEVICE FOR DIFFICULT SECOND STAGE

Justus Hofmeyr, Effective Care Research Unit, Univ of Witwatersrand and Fort Hare Eastern Cape Department of Health. On behalf of: Mario Merialdi (World Health Organization HRP), Jorges Odon, Inventor Xavier Schwartzman, lead clinical investigator

Second stage of labour

Most dangerous period of our lives (as babies) Difficulty/delay may result in
serious neonatal trauma hypoxic-ischaemic brain damage Death

Neglected area of Research/Implementation

Some strategies for difficult

nd 2

stage

Childbirth companions: Evidence of benefit Fluids and caloric intake: Some evidence Upright posture: Some evidence Oxytocin: Risks Fundal pressure: Controversial but little evidence. New method under investigation: gentle assisted pushing. Symphysiotomy: Regarded as life-saving vs dangerous Posterior Axillary Sling Traction: For shoulder dystocia Birth canal dilation: Promising results from small pilot Instrumental delivery: forceps, vacuum, Odon device

Slow second stage labour: Instrumental assistance: options

Forceps:
High level of skill

Vacuum extraction:
Moderate level of skill

Odon device:
potentially lower level of skill, safer

Teaching videos of 2nd stage techniques on WHO Reproductive Health Library (www. who.int/rhl or youtube) eg vacuum, breech, symphysiotomy, shoulder dystocia, caesarean section

Video: Odon device

Soft doouble layer plastic sleeve over babys head for assisted delivery Inner sleeve moves with baby and slides on outer sleeve In initial testing phase