In Pursuit of Solving a Global Health Problem: Prototype Medical Device for Autotransfusing Life-Threatening Postpartum Hemorrhage in Resource-Limited Settings

Abstract

The purpose of the review is to provide an overview of innovative technologies being developed to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage in resource-limited settings and to discuss a promising new device designed specifically to address the lack of safe blood supplies in many areas of the world. There are several new technologies being used or tested to address the significant global health problem of postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. None of these new technologies have addressed the persistent lack of safe blood supplies in low resource settings which is an essential pillar of comprehensive emergency obstetric care. With this aim in mind, a prototype obstetrical medical device was designed with the capability to autotransfuse women suffering life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage in low resource settings. Postpartum hemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal morbidity worldwide and efforts are needed, more than ever, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of improving maternal mortality especially in resource-limited settings. Despite many effective new technologies such as the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment, improvised uterine balloon tamponade devices, and new drugs such as tranexamic acid, none has addressed the lack of safe blood supplies that are critical to treating PPH. A prototype medical device has been developed, and preliminary testing for functionality and filter function has been successful and shows great promise. Further testing is still needed and is ongoing in preparation for human clinical trials.