Title: Increased efficacy in reducing maternal blood loss in obstetric hemorrhage

Team: India Ott, Colin Jensen, Weiyu Wu, Divya Empranthiri

Client: OBGYN – Suellen Miller, MD (UCSF)

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious condition that causes uncontrollable maternal bleeding after giving birth and remains the leading cause of maternal morbidity worldwide. Extreme blood loss through hemorrhaging causes blood volume to decrease and makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood consistently throughout the body, often leading to hypovolemic shock. PPH accounts for 1 in 4 maternal deaths globally, with particularly high occurrences in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). One method to manage PPH is through the use of a non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) that, when fitted correctly, applies pressure to the lower abdomen and forces blood to the essential organs – heart, lungs and brain. This current standard is difficult to assemble, put on, take off, and clean – all of which leads to the underutilization of a life-saving device.

Our unmet need centers on creating a simpler method to reverse the effects of hypovolemic shock secondary to postpartum hemorrhages and reduce the mortality rate specifically for women in maternity facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa.