Innovative Low-Cost Device Aims to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhages in Resource-Limited Settings

A groundbreaking medical device designed to prevent postpartum hemorrhages has been developed to assist new mothers in high-risk environments. This affordable and effective solution originates from the BAMBI (Balloon Against Maternal Bleeding) project, undertaken by a diverse team of researchers at the Politecnico di Milano. Currently, the device is in the final phase of testing, preparing to enter clinical trials.

The concept was proposed by Dr. Alberto Zanini, a gynecologist with experience working in regions with high maternal mortality rates, including parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. His volunteer work exposed him to the urgent need for accessible childbirth hemorrhage management. Recognizing this, he collaborated with the Politecnico di Milano to design a solution that combines simplicity, safety, and low cost. The multidisciplinary team included experts from chemistry, materials engineering, mechanics, and design departments, all committed to creating a feasible tool for low-resource settings.

Maria Laura Costantino, a prominent researcher leading the project, emphasized the device’s social impact: "Our aim is to provide a safe, accessible, and affordable option for stopping postpartum bleeding, especially in vulnerable areas where medical resources are scarce." The team opted to waive patent rights to ensure widespread availability.

The device, called BAMBI, features a set of components—including a connector, a rectal probe, a probe cover, and a saline-filled bag with a clamp—that are easy to assemble and use. The key element is an innovative, patented connector made through injection molding, designed to be mechanically reliable and secure. During childbirth complications, the probe is inserted into the uterus, and the saline is inflated to form a balloon that compresses blood vessels from within, effectively halting bleeding.

Testing has demonstrated that BAMBI can be correctly assembled and operated even by non-medical personnel, thanks to clear printed and video instructions. Its design prioritizes user-friendliness and rapid deployment, crucial qualities for use in areas with limited healthcare personnel.

Plans are underway to mass-produce the connector at a low cost (estimated at about $5), which would enable large-scale distribution of BAMBI worldwide. This initiative aims to dramatically reduce maternal mortality caused by hemorrhages, fulfilling a vital need for accessible obstetric care in underserved regions.

The research on BAMBI has been published in journals such as Scientific Reports, highlighting the potential impact of this low-cost, life-saving innovation.

More details can be found in the related publication: Sara Candidori et al., "A novel low-cost uterine balloon tamponade kit to tackle maternal mortality in low-resource settings," Scientific Reports, 2024. Link to publication.

This project demonstrates how technological ingenuity combined with social responsibility can create meaningful healthcare solutions for the world's most vulnerable populations.