Vacuum
Extractor is a modern device to substitute the application of forceps
for traction in delivery and tedious labour it is specialty useful because
of its ease of application and the safety to the mother and the child. The
instrument consists of three metal cups known as suction cups with die. Of
30mm. & 50mm. With a depth of 15mm. Constant for all. There is a metal
plate inside the cup with a metal chain fitted to the plate, and it is
made to pass from the back surface to the cup. The metal chain is encased
in a rubber tubing which forms a chain tube. This metal chain terminates
in a handle known as the “traction handle.” A lock pin and e screw cup
keep the chain is position and can be easily opened for cleaning. On the
side of the handle is attached a rubber tubing connected to the vacuum flask.
The Vacuum flask tests on a metal stand with side supports and a cap. A vacuum
gauge, a vacuum regulating valve and two connectors are fitted on
the cap of the vacuum flask. One connector is in communication with the
suction pump. The suction pump is a metal syringe which by repeated
shunting movements help to create vacuum. The vacuum force is indicated on
the gauge, with graduation upto 760 in Hg marking.
The various sizes of the cups are used according to the available dilation
of the cervix. The suction cup on the fetal head disturbs the equilibrium
between the pressure and a spherical bulge is formed. Vacuum should be
increased slowly by repeated shunting movements of the hand pump. Before
application of traction force the position and presentation of the fetal
head should be corrected. When the cup is in good contact with the scelp
the traction cup and the capur succedencum artificial form a mechanical
unit, the method of vacuum extractor delivery is to apply a series of
traction synchronized with the labour pains. After delivery of the fetal
head, the vacuum regulating valve is opened and the suction cup gets
detached leaving the caput succedencum artificial. This caput usually
disappears within a few hours
