Forceps in childbirth

The forceps (Latin forceps ) is used for vaginal operative cessation of birth (also called forceps delivery ). It is based on the physical principle of the lever rule, according to which the force acting on the ends holding force is smaller than the applied hand force by the end of thumb. A significant advance but did not come until the development of a fitted with two crossed legs in a joint forceps. By this, the force acting on the long leg of manual force ( fist ) in an appropriate lever ratio, by the jaws on the opposite side of the pivot point exert a much greater force on an article, as would be possible with a simple forceps.

Instruments

A forceps consists of two identical metal parts ( leaves). Each sheet consists of the spoon, which includes the child's head, the neck part on which the closure is pliers, and the handle of the pliers, which provide a firm grip by a laterally inserted tow hook while dragging.

Indication

Reasons for a forceps delivery, the child hypoxia, the depletion of the mother or combined indications. Important prerequisites for the implementation of forceps delivery are that the baby's head has reached at least the middle of the basin and the exclusion of an imbalance between the maternal pelvis and childlike head. Alternatively takes this situation, the suction cup is used.

Technology

The child's head is enclosed with the two tongs spoons. The registered office of tongs is controlled and checked with a test train, whether the head follows the train. In several blow synchronous traction the development of the child's head is. The extraction can be facilitated by the Kristeller handle. The application of forceps requires the medical obstetrician experience and skill.

Complications

In children, there may be the pressure of the spoon to abrasions and bruising of the skin, and temporary or permanent paralysis of the facial nerve. Possible maternal injuries are dam, vaginal and Zervixrisse.

History

The development of the first forceps in modern times is Peter Chamberlen (1560-1631), Peter the Elder, one from France emigrated to England Huguenot surgeon awarded, although the idea was to this instrument then pulled by several obstetricians considered.

Thus, a similar instrument by the Flemish surgeon and obstetrician January Palfijn (1650-1730) was developed. He introduced in 1723 the Académie des sciences in Paris a prototype les mains de Palfyn ago. The Englishman William Smellie, an excellent obstetrician and good observer of the birth mechanism, developed another approved model. Its small non-crimp pliers with joint castle, where he further developed the model with pelvic curvature of André Levret from France, rather widespread.

Two right pincer spoon ( 1750 )

Forceps by William Smellie (1792 )

First picture of Andre Levret (1703-1780) pelvic curve ( 1747 )

French forceps of Levret -Jean -Louis Baudelocque type (1760-1860)

Étienne Stéphane Tarnier (1828-1897) forceps with tractor - handle ( 1877) and the U.S. Dewey model (1900)

Hugh Lenox Hodge (1796-1873) forceps developed from the pliers of Andre Levret type USA ( 1833)

American pliers Elliott - USA ( 1860)

Statistics

Source: Federal Statistical Office