Insertion of a balloon device to disimpact an engaged fetal head before an emergency caesarean section

The procedure

The aim of the procedure is to raise the baby's head out of the mother's pelvis, so that an emergency caesarean can be done.

During the procedure a disposable soft silicone balloon device with a base plate is inserted into the vagina using a lubricant. The device is placed so that the balloon surface touches the baby's head. With the mother's legs flat on the operating table (to stop the device slipping out) the balloon is inflated with sterile saline through a tube. The base plate stops the balloon inflating downwards. As the balloon inflates it pushes the baby's head up out of the pelvis by a few centimetres. The surgeon can then make the opening to deliver the baby where it will avoid damaging surrounding tissue and make the delivery as easy as possible.

After the baby has been delivered the balloon is deflated by draining away the saline and the device is removed.