Uterine Tamponade Device to Control Atonic Primary Postpartum Haemorrhage in Resource-Poor Settings

Abstract

This paper proposes and presents the proof of concept for an improvised device adapted from the condom tamponade used for controlling atonic primary postpartum haemorrhage in resource-poor settings. The device has been designed to address the setbacks of the conventional condom tamponade. The setbacks of the condom tamponade were assessed. Using the systematic engineering design process, a device was designed to address the setbacks of the condom tamponade. The device comprises an inflation/deflation system, blood drainage system and clamping system. Results from testing show that for an inexperienced user, the device has quicker inflation (3.36 ± 1.70 minutes/ 500 ml) and faster set-up time (3.60 ± 1.50 minutes), as compared to the conventional condom tamponade. The clamping system of the device also ensures effective control of fluid dynamics and prevents backflow. The device, however, was not tested on human subjects to prove its efficacy for actual treatment of patients. The device also can be easily and quickly set-up and operated by frontline healthcare providers with limited expertise, in resource-poor settings. It has further been designed for safety (use of biocompatible materials and elimination of sharp edges for the parts expected to have direct contact with the uterus).