A new insertion technique for the transcervical Foley catheter used for cervical ripening

To describe a new placement technique for the transcervical Foley catheter that may succeed when other methods have failed.

Sixteen patients were identified as candidates for placement of a transcervical Foley catheter for cervical ripening, but all had failed attempted placement using the classically described methods. Our new placement technique involved the use of a 5 French rigid catheter guide inserted into the Foley catheter to make the catheter rigid and to ease insertion. RESLLTS: Placement was 100% successful in all 16 patients using the new insertion technique.

The use of a rigid stylet during insertion increases the chances of success. The ease of insertion using this technique makes the use of a Foley catheter for cervical ripening a valuable option.