Vacuum Extraction Delivery

Any type of delivery of a newborn pose risks of injury to the mother and the infant. Some physicians chose vacuum extraction deliveries because it is a method that lessens the dangers associated with a Cesarean section procedure or fetal distress to unborn child. However, the use of a vacuum extractor can also cause medical problems particularly for the infant. Sometimes minor injuries arise in vacuum extraction deliveries such as scalp wounds, but an infant can also suffer much more dangerous injuries such as skull fracture or intracranial bleeding called cephalohematoma.

Another complication of vacuum extraction is brachial plexus injuries to the newborn. The brachial plexus injury is caused by the stretching of the network of nerves at the time of delivery. The brachial plexus injury can be devastating. It compromises the child’s arm movements in most cases.

While some of the injuries that an infant can suffer in a vacuum extraction delivery, such as a collar bone fracture, will heal over time, the injury will require close monitoring. Brachial plexus injuries can leave infants with serious physical limitations. Vacuum extraction deliveries have been known to cause serious injury to the newborn.

In childbirth doctors have several options to safely deliver the child. Many physicians use vacuum extraction or forceps as options in the birthing process. Some would say that vacuum extraction may have benefits over forceps in that it is easier to place the cup device on the infant’s head and is less traumatic to the mother. In addition, vacuum extraction in most cases would require less anesthesia to the mom and milder force to the baby’s head.

When a vacuum extractor is used improperly, it can cause serious damage to the newborn. The vacuum operates by using a suction cup device placed on the baby’s skull. The pressure and vacuum is delivered by a tube attached to the suction cup. The suction allows the delivering physicians and nurses to pull the baby down and out of the birth canal.

However, a baby’s skull is not completely fused at time of birth. The newborn’s skull just hasn’t developed enough. It is extremely sensitive to pressure. If the suction cup on the vacuum extractor is not placed correctly on the baby’s skull, severe injury and brain damage can result. Doctors are aware that the number of attempts and the length of time used should not exceed the recommended guidelines.

In using a vacuum extractor in the birthing process, only those experienced nurse midwives and physicians should be operating the vacuum extraction process to assist in delivery. The risk of injury to the newborn when a vacuum extractor is used improperly range from mild scalp wounds to brain bleeds or hemorrhages that may result in permanent injury to the child.

If your child or someone you know whose child has been injured or died as a result of improperly used vacuum extractor in delivery of a child, please call us for an immediate free consultation. Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling Chicago and Illinois birth injury cases for more than 40 years.

Kreisman Law Offices has prevailed in trials and settlements in Chicago, Illinois and surrounding areas and successfully resolved cases for severely injured clients for over these many years.

With our years of experience in trying and settling medical malpractice cases and birth injury cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients and have achieved unsurpassed results. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online. There is no charge for a consultation that will include an evaluation of your case, assessment of damages.

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