DRAE hugger vacuum and DRAE hugger corset uterine compression devices

Project Overview

Postpartum hemorrhage is an obstetrical emergency that can follow vaginal or cesarean delivery. It is a major source of maternal morbidity and maternal mortality. It has many causes, one being uterine atony which complicates 1 in 20 births and is responsible for at least 80 percent of cases of postpartum hemorrhage. Placenta accreta is another complication to vaginal or cesarean delivery that can result in postpartum hemorrhaging. It affects approximately 1 in 533 deliveries and continues to affect more and more women as cesarean delivery becomes increasingly prevalent. The DRAE Hugger would mimic normal uterine response by simulating smooth muscle contraction and compressing the uterus in all planes, thus preventing uterine atony. The device could also be used in setting placenta accreta, allowing for manual removal of the placenta followed by compression using the DRAE Hugger. This would prevent the patient from having to undergo a hysterectomy, which would render her infertile.
While the DRAE Hugger could be used in both cases of uterine atony and placenta accreta, the DRAE Corset could only be used in emergent cases of uterine atony as its use in placenta accreta is unknown. It would be used in conjunction with a currently used device, the Bakri Balloon. This would provide compression in most planes, providing the desired effect. The DRAE Corset would be a less expensive alternative to the DRAE Hugger, with potential benefits in low income areas both in and out of the United States.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Jake Stangl, Ashley Quinn, Kelsi Bjorklund, and Emma Weinberger

Files

Appendix C Mechanical Testing (December 12, 2012)
Preliminary PDS (September 23, 2012)
Fall Semester Final Report (September 25, 2013)
Fall Semester Final Poster (December 12, 2012)
Mid-semester Report (October 23, 2012)
Preliminary Testing Tensile Test Results (October 23, 2012)
PDS (October 23, 2012)
Mid-semester Presentation Slides (October 31, 2012)

Contact Information

Team Members

Kelsi Bjorklund - Team Leader
Ashley Quinn - Communicator
Emma Weinberger - BSAC
Jacob Stangl - BWIG

Advisor and Client

Prof. Tracy Jane Puccinelli - Advisor
Dr. Jay Lick - Client

Related Projects

Spring 2013: DRAE hugger vacuum and DRAE hugger corset uterine compression devices
Fall 2012: DRAE hugger vacuum and DRAE hugger corset uterine compression devices