One of the first innovations to be marketed with
thanks to GiFTT support is a manikin which simulates a
baby whose head is impacted in the womb during a Caesarean -
section delivery. The manikin was developed by staff in Women's
Health at St Thomas' Hospital, with funding of £33,000, to help
support obstetricians, midwives and doctors managing these
complicated deliveries.
In C-sections performed in the late first or second stage of
labour there is a 20 per cent chance of the baby's head becoming
impacted, which can be particularly difficult for a less
experienced practitioner - sometimes with serious consequences. The
manikin allows clinicians to confirm the presentation and position
of the baby's head during an actual labour, as well as simulate a
realistic mother and baby for practicing delivery techniques during
training.
The manikin was licensed to a UK manufacturer of medical
simulators in December 2010 and an advanced version of the product
is now under development.
Annette Briley, Consultant Midwife/Clinical Trial Manager,
Maternal and Fetal Research Unit at St Thomas' Hospital said: "The
Charity's support has been vital in progressing the development of
the training manikin. We are confident that it will improve the
skills and confidence of obstetricians and midwives who are faced
will these challenging deliveries."