(689g) Membrane Device for Naturally Aiding Child Delivery in Resource-Limited Settings

Approximately one third of pregnancies are delivered by one out of three possible operative methods: vacuum extraction, forceps operation, or caesarean section. Using these traditional devices or alternative methods, the risk of injuring to the mother and the fetus is elevated tremendously in the wake of poor training.  Here, we propose to develop a polymer-based membrane, which will provide ultra-low friction thus facilitating child delivery but also have the ability to provide high friction when needed for child extraction.  Specifically, the friction properties between polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a borosilicate surface were studied using different lubricating media.  A low friction coefficient of approximately 0.009 was obtained when using an aqueous 0.367 M sodium dodecyl sulfate solution compared to a relatively high friction coefficient of 2.17 when using deionized water. We will discuss the design of the delivery membrane and how the anisotropic friction properties have been integrated into the device.  Such a device has the potential to reduce the risk of injury during childbirth.