New device reduces risk of birth injury during C-sections

New York parents who are awaiting the arrival of a child may be interested to hear that a new device is being used by some doctors to reduce delivery complications during C-sections. The device, called C SAFE, uses a dull piece of plastic to make the initial incision. The device also has a blade that faces away from the baby, which reduces the risk of injury to the child.

In traditional C-sections, a scalpel is used to remove the baby. In rare cases, however, the doctor may accidentally cut too deep and nick the baby. The injuries, called fetal lacerations, can be as superficial as a nick on the baby’s face that heals with no scaring. In other cases, however, a fetal laceration could result in an accidental amputation of the baby’s fingers.

According to the report, approximately 33 percent of all births are C-sections. In three percent of the C-sections that are performed, fetal lacerations occur. The use of the new device should reduce the number of birth injuries.

When the delivery process causes complications that injure an otherwise healthy baby, families can be devastated. In many cases, the physician may claim that there was nothing that they could have done to prevent the injury. In the case of C-sections, however, a doctor who injures an infant due to cutting too deep with a scalpel could have turned to a safer device, thereby preventing the injury.

An experienced and devoted medical malpractice attorney may be able to help clients by examining the evidence against the hospital. If medical malpractice has occurred, the attorney may be able to help the parents receive compensation for additional medical bills and compensation. If the birth injury is severe enough to impact the child’s life, parents may also be awarded compensation to help cover the child’s future lost earnings.

Source: Philadelphia CBS Local, “Health: New Way To Reduce Risk Of Injuries At Birth“, Stephanie Stahl, June 26, 2013