Fetal heart bradycardia associated with the vacuum extractor. A case report

The vacuum extractor has been gaining acceptance in the United States. As a result, physicians are becoming aware of potential problems with its use. We treated a patient for fetal bradycardia attributable to the negative pressure of the vacuum apparatus. This type of fetal heart bradycardia can be distinguished from "true" fetal distress by disconnecting the vacuum apparatus and observing the fetal heart rate response. Bradycardia caused by the negative pressure of the vacuum apparatus returns to normal after instrument disconnection.