Team 31

Uterine Balloon Tamponade: A Method for Treating Postpartum Hemorrhaging

Team Members: Daniel Bhella, Alexia Kamau, Andrew Opstad, Jonathan Planten & Kayla Zeien

Team Mentors: Mary Jane Paremtnier, PhD - School for Future of Innovation in Society, ASU
Dr. Angela: OB/GYN in Ghana
Eric Stribling - Engineer (U.S.)

YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/87816331659

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhaging is the leading cause of maternal mortality in developing countries. Approximately 86% of all maternal deaths worldwide occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest maternal mortality ratio, with an estimated 533 maternal deaths for every 100,000 births, or roughly 200,000 maternal deaths per year. In 2017, the lifetime risk of maternal death in low income countries was 1 in 45 compared to 1 in 54,000 in high-income countries. Accessibility, infrastructure and lack of skilled birth attendance are just a few social factors that contribute to these needlessly high maternal mortality rates. Marketing to an area outside of the United States required us to perform extensive preliminary research on maternal health to understand such underlying issues. Normally when a mother has a baby, the uterus contracts and the placenta is pushed out. However, in the case of postpartum hemorrhaging, these contractions are not strong enough to apply pressure causing continuous bleeding of these vessels. Our solution is a product designed to offer a simple, robust, and durable way to enable uterine contractions and stop postpartum bleeding. The uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) is a gravity filled system that uses clean water/saline within a balloon. When inserted into the uterus, this system applies pressure along the uterus wall to stop hemorrhaging. The device will offer a controlled mechanism of applying pressure to the uterine wall and because it is intended for the developing world, is projected to be sold for under $8. Current UBT designs are very limited in Africa and novel designs that have shown promising results do not have any documentation of outcomes after implementation. The concept generation of this product is still under revision and will require further steps to ensure operational feasibility.