Digital postpartum hemorrhage management device (DPHMD)

Primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency caused by excessive blood loss that occurs most commonly after the placenta is delivered. PPH can lead to volume depletion, hypovolemic shock, anemia, and it is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. With 470 deaths per 100,000 live births, the maternal mortality ratio in Ethiopia is one of the highest in the world. It is estimated that 94% of births occur at home in Ethiopia and that 10% of maternal deaths are attributed to PPH. Currently, physicians use visual estimation to calculate blood loss and provide fluid during delivery. This traditional method is subjective and generally inaccurate.

In this project, after delivery blood loss measurement system integrated with fluid delivery and vital sign monitoring method is proposed. The collection and measurement system collects blood loss after delivery and measures the amount of blood loss. The management system continuously monitors the mother's heart rate and blood pressure. These vital sign values are integrated with the measured blood loss to estimate the amount of IV fluid required to be delivered for the mother. The rate of IV fluid delivery is regulated by a flow rate sensor and solenoid valve.

The prototype was built and undergone through different tests and iterations. The proposed device was tested for accuracy, cost effectiveness and ease to use. 91.28% accuracy has been achieved and the prototype was built with less than 210 USD.

The proposed design allows physicians, especially those in low resource setting, to estimate blood loss and deliver fluid accurately. This helps to reduce maternal mortality rate that may occur due to postpartum hemorrhage.