Comparison Between The Efficacy and Safety of The Single- (Love Baby) and Double-Balloon Catheters for Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction

Abstract

Background: Induced labor is а progressively common obstetric procedure, Whether the specifically designed double-balloon catheter is better than the single-balloon device in terms of efficacy, efficiency and safety yet remains controversial. Methods: In our study We have performed a Retrospective study in which 220 patients with immature cervix were admitted for induction of labor either through single cervix balloon catheter (love-baby) (SBC) or double cervix balloon catheter (DBC). The comparison showed that the cervical bishop score was slightly higher for the SBC after removal or expulsion of the balloon. Results:This was a proof that SBC demonstrates slightly better efficacy for cervical ripening with a shorter time from balloon placement to spontaneous vaginal delivery than DBC. No significant differences in the comparison between SBC and DBC following other parameters like spontaneous vaginal delivery, the initiate uterine contractions rate, the number of patients that needed oxytocin, the balloon spontaneous expulsion rate and others have been detected. Interestingly, SCB showed a higher incidence in adverse reactions leading to taking out the balloon halfway. The multi-factor analysis showed that the spontaneous labor was a risk factor for the cesarean section in SBC patients.Conclusion: These results prove that the new Chinese single balloon, also called love baby, can effectively induce labor as it may be highly recommendable for cervical ripening than DBC, though it could be with a higher incidence of adverse reactions causing the balloon to be pulled out halfway.