CAPP (Tire/Pressure Circumferential Abdominal-Pelvic Pressure Device)

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in low-resource settings. The CAPP (Tire/Pressure Circumferential Abdominal-Pelvic Pressure) device is a simple contraption made of basic, local materials such as bike tires that aims to control postpartum hemorrhage by reducing blood flow to the pelvic organs.

The CAPP device consists of three mountain bike tubes that are tied around a woman's waist and legs and function to restrict blood from flowing to the uterus of the hemorrhaging woman. One tube is placed around each leg and one on the lower abdomen/pelvic area. Each tube is then secured tightly with sheets. A bike pump is used to inflate the tire tubes, which apply direct pressure to restrict blood flow to the pelvic area.

The CAPP device is especially useful in low-income, resource-constrained settings for several reasons. It is comprised of rudimentary materials such as a bike pump, bicycle inner tubes, and sheets that can be easily obtained. It does not rely upon an electrical source. It is also inexpensive, portable, and highly effective.

• Designed by: Nancy Kerr and Mark Hauswald of Global Health Partnerships

Funding is provided by the Gates Foundation's Grand Challenges Initiative, Round 6, on April 6, 2011.

Hauswald, M., & Williamson M. R., & Gillian, B. M., & Kerr, N. L., & Edgar-Mied, V. L. (2010). Use of an improvised pneumatic anti-shock garment and a non-pneumatic anti-shock garment to control pelvic flow. International Journal of Emergency Medicine, 3(3), 173-175.

Carr, S. (2011). UNM Investigators receive $100, 000 Grand Challenges Explorations Grant. The University of New Mexico. Link available here.

Davis, M. (2011). Local Docs Win $100,000 Grant for Life Saving Device. Watch Newspapers. Link available here.

Grand Challenges in Global Health. (2011). Grand Challenges Explorations Grants. Link available here.