Project would fund innovative device that stops postpartum hemorrhaging
Each year, thousands of pregnant women lose their lives immediately after giving birth because of a complication called uterine atony, during which the uterus hemorrhages because of an inability to control contractions.
Drugs such as oxytocin are often administered in these critical situations, but they do not always work, and other complications to mother and infant can occur.
Since time began, a safe and effective way to enable women in distress to stop this postpartum hemorrhaging has been needed. Robert Garfield, MD, and his team of researchers at St. Joseph's have invented such a device, essentially a hand-held electrode, to treat--and to control--this frightening and sudden complication at birth.
The device is based on the proven efficacy of using electrical stimulation to cause smooth muscles to contract. According to the obstetricians and perinatologists who have worked with Dr. Garfield, this invention could well become the standard of care for women in labor all over the world. As one practicing obstetrician said, "Anyone who delivers babies should demand that this equipment be available at a moment's notice."
A company has been formed called OSI, LLC and through the Foundation is now attracting venture capital funding to accelerate the transfer of this technology to commercial application.
If you would like to learn more, contact Robert Hopkins at the Foundation Office at 602-406-1037.
To learn more about how venture capital is funding innovative new projects at St. Joseph's and Barrow, read the article on page 16 in the latest St. Joseph's magazine online.
