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OdonAssist: A modern solution for childbirth
A newly launched birth device, OdonAssist, is providing women with a gentler alternative to traditional instruments like forceps and ventouse, which have been in use since the 16th century. The inflatable air cuff, designed to guide babies through the birth canal, was recently introduced after trials at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
The invention behind OdonAssist
OdonAssist was invented in 2006 by Argentine car mechanic Jorge Odón, who drew inspiration from a party trick involving removing a cork from a bottle. The concept was developed over eight years by a team of midwives, doctors, engineers, and medical equipment specialists. Initial testing was conducted by the World Health Organisation in Argentina and South Africa before receiving CE Kitemark approval in 2025, allowing its use in European hospitals.
Women share positive experiences
Ella Radford, a midwife from Bristol, participated in the trial and later used OdonAssist during her own delivery. She described the experience as "lovely" and "calm," noting that her baby was born without the marks often left by forceps or ventouse. "It just makes more sense to inflate that cuff and push the vaginal muscle away from the baby instead of pulling on the baby's head," she said.
"Seeing so many different varieties of birth, it just seems different. It's the calmest way I've ever seen a baby be delivered by an instrument."
Ella Radford, trial participant and midwife
Georgie Jacobs, another participant, echoed these sentiments, saying the device made her feel "still in control." She highlighted the outdated nature of current methods, stating, "We basically use metal to pull a baby out." Jacobs underwent an episiotomy during the procedure but noted that such measures may no longer be necessary as the device evolves.
How OdonAssist works
The device functions by inflating a cuff around the baby's head, gently guiding it through the birth canal. Once the head is delivered, the cuff is removed, allowing the baby to breathe normally. This method aims to reduce trauma for both mother and child compared to forceps or ventouse, which can leave bruises or marks.
Overcoming initial skepticism
Dr. Jo Crofts, a consultant obstetrician at North Bristol NHS Trust, admitted that convincing women to trial a new device during childbirth was initially challenging. However, hundreds of women volunteered, enabling the team to gather the necessary data. "Thanks to their help, we now have an alternative to forceps and ventouse," she said.
"Women we care for tell us this is desperately needed."
Dr. Jo Crofts, consultant obstetrician
Dr. Emily Hotton, an obstetrics and gynaecology resident involved in the trials, expressed pride in the team's work, calling it "phenomenal."
Availability and future prospects
OdonAssist is currently available only in the UK and Europe, with plans to expand pending regulatory approvals in other regions. The developers, Maternal Newborn Health Innovations, emphasized that the device will not be introduced elsewhere until local clearances are obtained.
