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Episcissors‑60 for mediolateral episiotomy

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2 The technology

Technology

Episcissors‑60 are adapted surgical scissors used to perform an incision for mediolateral episiotomies. The scissors have 5 cm long blades with a guide limb mounted at the blade pivot point and angled at 60 degrees from the blades. A cutting angle of 60 degrees is ensured by pointing the guide limb towards the anus in the vertical perineal midline.

Episcissors‑60 have been only available in a disposable single-use version since June 2019. The reusable version has been discontinued.

Innovative aspects

Episcissors‑60 are designed to achieve a mediolateral cut at 60 degrees to the perineal midline, so preventing inaccurate visual estimation of the cutting angle. The device aims to reduce the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI). Episcissors‑60 are an alternative to current standard episiotomy scissors when visual estimation of the cutting angle is required.

Intended use

Episcissors‑60 are intended for use in women who have a clinical need for an episiotomy, such as for instrumental deliveries or in cases of suspected fetal compromise.

Episcissors‑60 are intended to be used by obstetricians or midwives. The use of Episcissors‑60 does not need any special training measures.

Costs

The cost of single-use disposable Episcissors‑60 is £16 (excluding VAT). The reusable Episcissors‑60 were priced at £320 (excluding VAT), giving a cost of £16 per use (based on 20 uses).

For more details, see the website for Episcissors-60.