Operative vaginal delivery is used to expedite vaginal delivery for either maternal or fetal indication. Options for operative delivery include both vacuum-assisted and forceps deliveries, and options may be chosen based on physician comfort and personalized base on the patient. Indications for operative delivery include maternal exhaustion, non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracing, a prolonged second stage of labor, or to shorten the second stage of labor in certain maternal conditions such as cardiovascular or neurological disease. Vacuum delivery is discouraged when delivering a fetus that is less than 34 weeks.[1][2][3]
For proper use, the maternal cervix should be fully dilated, the head engaged in the birth canal, and the head position known. The baby should not be preterm, previously exposed to sampling from the scalp, or failed forceps delivery. If the attempt fails, it may be necessary to deliver the infant by cesarean section or forceps. The bladder should be empty, and the facility should be able to accommodate a stat cesarean section should operative delivery attempts be unsuccessful.
Prerequisites for Operative Vaginal Delivery include:
Classification of Operative Vaginal Deliveries
Extraction is classified by the status of the fetal head at the time of vacuum application and the degree of rotation necessary.
Outlet delivery
Low delivery
Mid delivery
Certain fetal conditions such as fetal bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, Von Willebrand's disease), fetal demineralizing diseases (e.g., osteogenesis imperfecta), preclude the use of vacuum to expedite delivery. Its use is discouraged at less than 34 weeks estimated gestational age. Prior to its use, the obstetrician should ensure that all of the above prerequisites have been met and the patient agrees to the plan of care.
Vacuum extractors often have replaced forceps when assistance is required for vaginal delivery. Compared with metal-cup vacuum extractors, soft-cup devices cause fewer neonatal scalp injuries and are easier to use; however, they detach more often.
Vacuum extractors can result in neonatal injury. These devices should be employed only when indicated, such as for a nonreassuring fetal heart tracing or second-stage labor failure to progress. Complications may be minimized if contraindications are considered. Clinicians should have adequate training and experience prior to attempting to perform a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. [4][5][6][7]
Operator and at least one assistant should be present at the time of vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. In addition, personnel should be available to assist with infant resuscitation if needed.
After ensuring that all the prerequisites for operative vaginal delivery have been met, the vacuum cup is applied on the fetal scalp. The cup is placed symmetrically astride the sagittal suture at the fetal pivot point. The fetal pivot point is located approximately two centimeters anterior to the posterior fontanelle or six centimeters posterior to the anterior fontanelle. It should not be placed directly over the fontanelle. Correct placement will assist with flexion, descent, and rotation of the vertex when traction is applied, minimizing the risk of injury to both the fetus and the maternal soft tissues. Before applying suction, it is important to sweep a finger around the cup to ensure that there are no intervening vaginal or cervical tissues between the cup and the fetal scalp. Once appropriate placement is confirmed, suction can then be applied. Vacuum pressures are then raised to the desired pressure, often indicated by a green zone on many devices. Downward traction is then applied along the pelvic curve using the dominant hand. The other hand monitors the progress of descent and prevents cup detachment by applying counter pressure to the cup. Traction is applied during contractions and maternal expulsive efforts. The suction is removed, and the cup is detached once the fetal head is crowning. The rest of the delivery is then carried out in the usual manner.
Should the device disengage during delivery attempts, additional attempts may be initiated. Manufacturers discourage more than two to three attempts (or pop-offs), and clinicians should proceed with cesarean section.[8][9]
Maternal complications include the extension of vaginal lacerations including sphincter and vaginal pain.
Newborn complications include scalp lacerations, cephalohematoma, intracranial hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, hyperbilirubinemia, and neurological injury. Absolute rates of complications are low; it is estimated that the rate of intracranial hemorrhage following operative vaginal delivery is at one in 650 to 850 live births.
The decision to continue with operative vaginal delivery should continuously be re-evaluated the delivery progresses. If there is no descent, further attempts should be discontinued and cesarean section considered.
Rocking motions and applying torque to achieve rotation should be avoided.
The maximum time to safely complete a vacuum extraction and the acceptable number of detachments are unknown. It is recommended that vacuum-assisted deliveries be achieved with no more than three sets of pulls and a maximum of two to three cup detachments or pop-offs. The total vacuum application time should be limited to 20 to 30 minutes.
Sequential application of the vacuum and the forceps or vice versa is discouraged due to a higher risk of fetal and maternal injury.
Advantages of Vacuum Extraction and Forceps
Vacuum Extractors
Forceps
Vacuum delivery is usually only done by an experienced obstetrician. However, the care of the newborn is usually by a nurse. Vacuum delivery sometimes can result in complications to the mother which include an extension of vaginal lacerations including sphincter and vaginal pain. In the labor and delivery room, the nurse should monitor the infant for scalp lacerations, cephalohematoma, intracranial hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, hyperbilirubinemia, and neurological injury. Absolute rates of complications are low; it is estimated that the rate of intracranial hemorrhage following operative vaginal delivery is at one in 650 to 850 live births. (Level V)
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[8] | Correction: {i}Vacuum-assisted right atrial infected clot extraction due to persistent bacteraemia: a percutaneous approach for the management of right-sided endocarditis{/i}. BMJ case reports. 2018 Oct 17; [PubMed PMID: 30337288] |
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