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Quantification of contact surface pressure exerted during external cephalic version
Tak Yeung Leung1, Daljit Singh Sahota, Wing Yee Fok
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China SAR. tyleung@cuhk.edu.hk
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|November 18, 2003
Summary
A new instrument quantifies force during external cephalic version (ECV) by measuring pressure. Higher pressure was linked to failed ECV attempts, suggesting this tool can enhance procedural safety.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Medical Instrumentation
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- External cephalic version (ECV) involves applying force to the uterus and fetus, potentially leading to complications.
- Quantifying this force is crucial for improving ECV safety.
- An instrument was developed to indirectly measure applied force via contact pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an instrument for quantifying intrapartum force during ECV.
- To assess the relationship between applied force and ECV outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Custom gloves with 16 piezo-resistive sensors were designed to measure palmer surface pressure.
- Pressure data were recorded every 0.22 seconds during ECV procedures.
- A computer program analyzed pressure, duration, and number of attempts.
Main Results:
- Ten term singleton breech presentations underwent ECV.
- Median pressure-time integral for a whole ECV operation was 38,110 mmHg s.
- Failed ECV procedures showed a significantly higher median pressure-time integral (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Contact surface pressure can indirectly quantify the force applied during ECV.
- This measurement may enhance ECV safety by alerting operators to excessive force application.