Investment opportunity
Although the Odón Device is an exciting innovation, research and development are needed to determine
whether it is feasible, safe, and efficient for delivering babies during a prolonged second stage of labor
and to clearly understand how it will affect assisted vaginal delivery. To address this objective, WHO is
implementing a three-phased study protocol.20-22
• Phase 1 is under way and involves the testing of the device in Argentina and South Africa for safety
and feasibility under normal delivery conditions in both tertiary-care settings and rural facilities.
• During Phase 2, a randomized controlled trial in Argentina and South Africa will test the device for
preliminary efficacy in both tertiary-care settings and rural facilities. Preliminary efficacy is the
successful delivery of the baby in situations that typically call for use of either forceps or a VE as the
next clinical management step prior to cesarean delivery. These are typically deliveries with a
prolonged second stage of labor and no fetal distress. Phase 2 trials will enroll women with a
prolonged labor who would normally be managed using forceps or a VE. Participants will be
randomized to receive these methods or the Odón Device. Phase 2 should be completed by late 2013.
- During Phase 3, a large multi-country randomized clinical trial will be conducted to assess the
effectiveness of the use of the Odón Device in reducing negative obstetrical outcomes as compared
with forceps and VEs as well as in preventing newborn infections acquired intrapartum. It is
estimated that Phase 3 will take from 12 to 24 months.