Reducing Cesarean Childbirth Rates Using the Hem-Avert Perianal Stabilizer

Reducing Cesarean Childbirth Rates Using the Hem-Avert Perianal Stabilizer

This study is being conducted to evaluate an FDA approved device called the HEM-AVERT® Perianal Stabilizer and the efficacy in reducing the C-section rate and/or reducing the second stage of labor times.

Women may sometimes be reluctant to push resulting in a prolonged second stage labor, which could lead to a Cesarean section. This study will record the frequency of Cesarean sections in two groups to determine if there are any measurable differences.

The investigational device in this study is the HEM-AVERT® Perianal Stabilizer manufactured by Stetrix, Inc. This device has received previous FDA clearance as a Class II device to prevent hemorrhoids during childbirth. This study is being conducted by Stetrix, Inc. and falls within the guidelines set forth by the Food and Drug Administration in 21 CFR Section 812.2 as a non-significant risk study. The HEM-AVERT® Perianal Stabilizer is a Class II device in accordance with FDA regulation 21 CFR 890.5765. The Class II version of the device and the investigational device are identical in terms of materials, design, intended population and area used. The sole difference is that data will be collected in order to support an application to the FDA to obtain clearance of the device for the specific claim of reducing the C-section rate and/or reducing the second stage of labor times. This difference in data collection may be viewed as off-label use of the device although there is no new risk to the subject in the use of this device as an investigational device.

The primary objective of this study is to reduce the C-section rate and/or the second stage of labor times while using this device. For patients scheduled for a vaginal delivery, success is defined as completing the vaginal delivery process.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 40 years old at the time of enrollment
2. Gestational age between 34 and 42 weeks at the time of enrollment
3. Live singleton gestation
4. Candidate for vaginal delivery.
5. Willing and able to comply with the study plan as indicated by understanding and signing the subject informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subject unable to speak English
2. Subject unable to understand and sign the informed consent form
3. Delivery planned outside the clinical center
4. Subject is scheduled for vaginal delivery with anticipated complications (i.e. including but not limited to non-vertex presentation or macrosomia >4,000 grams)
5. Subject scheduled for an elective cesarean birth
6. Preeclampsia with severe features, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome
7. Multiple Gestation
8. PROM (premature rupture of membranes)
9. Previous Cesarean Section
10. PTL (preterm labor)
11. Known major fetal anomaly or fetal demise.
12. Suspected or proven chorioamnionitis
13. Placenta previa
14. Maternal insulin dependent diabetes
15. Maternal health conditions deemed as risk factors by investigators such as renal or cardiopulmonary disease