On behalf of Barry D. Lang, M.D. & Associates posted in Birth injuries on Monday, July 8, 2013

 

 

Massachusetts parents-to-be may be interested to hear about a new technology designed to make C-sections safer for newborns. The technology, called C SAFE, is expected to reduce the number of fetal lacerations, a typical birth injury that occurs during C-sections.

Fatal lacerations occur in three percent of all C-sections. In many cases, the lacerations can be as simple as a nick on the baby's face, which eventually heals and leaves no scars. In other cases, however, doctors have accidentally amputated fingers or caused facial scarring by cutting too deep. With the number of C-sections accounting for nearly 33 percent of all births and still increasing, the number of injuries resulting from improper use of scalpels may also continue to increase.

The new C SAFE device provides protection for the baby during the operation. A blunt piece of plastic is used to make the initial incision, ensuring that the doctor does not cut too deep. The blade also faces away from the baby when doctors are performing the procedure.

When parents-to-be are expecting a child, they assume that their doctor and hospital have their best interests at heart. A procedure that is not performed correctly can have devastating impacts on both the baby and the parents. While superficial fetal lacerations may heal with no scaring, a deeper cut could cause unnecessary injuries that have life-long impacts on an otherwise healthy baby .

Hospital doctors have a responsibility to provide care for their patients and may be held accountable for unnecessary injuries that occur. A Massachusetts attorney may be able to seek compensation on behalf of their clients in order to pay for additional medical treatments, any physical therapy or disabilities that result due to OBGYN malpractice.

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

Source: http://www.bostonmedicalmalpracticeblog.com "C SAFE device may reduce fetal lacerations in C-sections"