Medical devices for pregnancy and childbirth in the developing world

The BD Odon Device™: an update of its current state

The BD Odon Device™ was designed as an alternative to conventional methods for assisting vaginal delivery, especially in low-resource settings. This a systematic review of published data concerning the BD Odon Device™ until March 2020 listed in Pubmed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS and Web of Science.Five studies testing the device were found, three in models and two in women with uncomplicated deliveries. According to their results, the device seems easy to use, safe, effective and requires simple and fast training, so it may become a good alternative to vacuum extractor or forceps, especially in places where there is less specialised staff, low-resources settings. The study protocol of the first study in complicated second stages has already been published. There is still few information about the BD Odon Device™ in scientific literature, however more research concerning the device is expected to take place in a near future.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The Odon Device^TM is a device under development that aims to be a useful tool to assist vaginal deliveries.What do the results of this study add? This is a review of the current state of the development of the Odon Device^TM. Further tests in humans are planned in the future in order to evaluate its safety and efficacy.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The Odon Device^TM may be a promising tool to assist vaginal deliveries, especially in low-resource countries and countries with high rates of C-section during second stage of labour, but further research is needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy.