Cook Medical Introduces Device To Naturally Prepare Pregnant Women For Labor Induction
Spencer, IN - Cook Women's Health, a division of Cook Medical, the largest privately held medical device company, launched its newest product, the Cook Cervical Ripening Balloon at the 55th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in May. The device is designed to offer safe, comfortable cervical preparation (ripening) without the threat of drug-based side effects or interactions. 
Labor is induced in more than eighteen percent of deliveries in the United States and is commonly used in the instance of a post delivery date pregnancy, according to the National Vital Statistics Report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1 If labor is induced when the cervix is unfavorable it may increase the likelihood of induction failure, protracted and exhausting labors, and other complications. An undesired Cesarean delivery may also result.
The Cook Cervical Ripening Balloon catheter is comprised of two silicone balloons and uniquely engineered to allow the cervix to naturally and gradually dilate prior to the induction of labor. The first of two balloons is inflated on the uterine side of the cervix; the second is then inflated in the vaginal side of the cervix.
The two balloons adapt to the contour of the cervical canal minimizing discomfort for the patient. When the catheter is removed, cervical conditions should have improved to a favorable state to allow for induction of labor and active labor management.
"Studies have shown in the past few years that in the absence of a favorable or ripe cervix, a successful vaginal birth is less likely," says Christina Anné, global leader of Cook Women's Health. "Not only does the Cook Cervical Ripening Balloon improve the success rate of labor induction by safely ripening and dilating the cervix and eliminating the side effects of common medications and mechanical methods used to induce labor, it can also provide women with an easier, more comfortable birthing experience."
Since the announced launch of the specialized business unit in May 2006, Cook Women's Health has brought a new level of patient-centered innovation to market recognizing that women have special health and medical needs. Cook Women's Health continues to uniquely address prevalent issues in women's health globally including infertility, high-risk obstetrics, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and stress urinary incontinence.
SOURCE: Cook Medical