Problem being addressed
Post-partum bleeding can cause severe blood loss and even death in many women. One common associated problem is shock. During shock, the heart, lungs and brain are deprived of oxygen due to low blood flow. Both of these conditions can cause death.
Detailed description of the solution
The anti-shock garment works in a similar manner as a flight suit works for fighter pilots. It applies pressure to the legs in order to push blood out of the legs and back into the upper body. Other devices rely on pumps or bladders to dynamically change the pressure applied to the lower body. While this functionality is needed in certain applications such as a flight suit, it is not necessary here. Instead, the suit makes use of Neoprene's elasticity to apply pressure to the legs. Velcro straps are used to stretch the neoprene material around the legs. The device is made from neoprene, and is washable and reusable. Up to 50 uses from one unit have been reported.
Designed by
- Designed by:
Dr. Suellen Miller (UCSF Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and the Bixby Centre for Global Reproductive Health.)
- Manufacturer location:
“…sold exclusively by one distributor in the U.S. at present. Maternova is considering volume orders from this distributor as well.” (http://maternova.net/category/innovation-purpose/medical-devices?page=6)
When and where it was tested/implemented
The first clinical trials were performed in various Nigeria and India. Since then, more trials have been performed throughout Africa and Asia.
Funding Source
The MacArthur Foundation
References
Peer-reviewed publication
Turan, Janet, Oladosu Ojengbede, and Mohamed Fathalla. (2011). Positive Effects of the Non-pneumatic Anti-shock Garment on Delays in Accessing Care for Postpartum and Postabortion Hemorrhage in Egypt and Nigeria. Journal of Women's Health, 20(1), 1-8.
Berdichevsky, Karla, Christine Tucker, Alberto Martínez, and Suellen Miller. (2010). Acceptance of a New Technology for Management of Obstetric Hemorrhage: A Qualitative Study From Rural Mexico. Health Care for Women International, 31(5), 444-57.
Miller, Suellen, Felicia Lester, and Paul Hensleigh. (2004). Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage: New Advances for Low-resource Settings. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 49(4), 283-92.
Other internally generated reports
MacArthur Foundation. (2007). Using the Anti-Shock Garment to Save Lives. Retrieved November 13, 2011 from http://www.macfound.org/site/c.lkLXJ8MQKrH/b.2351709/apps/nl/content2.asp?content_id=%7BC411C1FD-A7D5-40E7-9759-B9CA21C3E27D%7D¬oc=1.
Wilder, Jennifer. (2011). "Low Tech Saves Lives." Global Health Magazine. Global Health Council. Retrieved November 13, 2011 from http://www.globalhealthmagazine.com/cover_stories/low-tech_solution_saves_lives
Externally generated reports
BBC News. (Feb 28 2006). "Birthing Suit 'could save Lives'" Retrieved November 13, 2011 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4757978.stm
IP and copyright
Webpage states that LifeWrap is a trademarked name based on a generic technology Non-pneumatic Anti-shock Garment or NASG. (http://www.lifewraps.org/lifewrap.htm)
Approval by regulatory bodies or standards boards
510(k) FDA approval (http://maternova.net/category/innovation-purpose/medical-devices?page=6)