[CG] Induction of labour using a double balloon catheter

What's new / Latest updates

24/06/2021 Amendment to Indications for inpatient or outpatient IOL using double balloon catheter

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The aim of this technique is to facilitate induction of labour in women with an unfavourable cervix. The double cervical ripening balloon mechanically dilates the cervix whilst also stimulating local prostaglandin release. As described in the NICE interventional procedures guidance IPG528 in 2015; the procedure has been shown to be safe, effective and well tolerated.

Compared to cervical ripening with vaginal prostaglandins, use of the double balloon catheter has been found to have:

Lower pain scores reported by women.
No increased risk of maternal or neonatal infection.
Reduced risk of uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress.
No increased risk of caesarean section.
No increased risk of neonatal adverse events.

The procedure is suitable for both inpatient and outpatient induction of labour at gestations ≥37+0wks. For less than 37 weeks gestation, discuss with on call senior obstetrician.

Indications for inpatient or outpatient IOL using double balloon catheter

Indications for inpatient only IOL using double balloon catheter

Contraindications to IOL using double balloon catheter

Post-dates (40+12 )
Maternal age ≥40yrs
Pregnancy as a result of assisted conception
Obstetric cholestasis with bile acids <60μmol/L
Estimated fetal weight >97^th centile
Gestational diabetes not on insulin
Maternal request for IOL

Reduced fetal movements
One previous caesarean section
Multiple pregnancy
Late post term (>40+12)
Estimated fetal weight <3rd centile
Abnormal fetal Dopplers
Oligohydramnios (DVP <2cm)
PIH/pre-eclampsia
Gestational diabetes on insulin
Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
BMI >40
Parity ≥4
Patients on therapeutic LMW heparin during pregnancy
Poor obstetric history
Obstetric cholestasis with bile acids ≥60μmol/L

Non cephalic presentation
Ruptured membranes
Placenta praevia
Abnormal CTG
Maternal concerns requiring immediate delivery
Fetal head not engaged in pelvis
Vaginal bleeding within last two weeks
Polyhydramnios (DVP >8cm)
Greater than 1 previous caesarean section
Intra-uterine fetal death

Please note the above lists are not exhaustive. For all women in whom an outpatient IOL is planned the following requirements must be met: good understanding of English, telephone contact, lives within 40 minutes of the hospital with transport immediately available, no significant social concerns.

Procedure on arrival for balloon catheter IOL

Women should be advised to contact maternity assessment or inform the midwife if they experience any of the following:

Signs of labour
Ruptured membranes
Vaginal bleeding
Feeling feverish or unwell
Balloon catheter falls out
Difficulty passing urine
Persistent pain or discomfort
Change in fetal movements*

These women should have a prompt obstetric review and have the balloon catheter removed. If the balloon catheter has dislodged then assess suitability for amniotomy. If they remain unfavourable then offer vaginal prostaglandins if not contraindicated. Do not reinsert a further balloon catheter.

*Patients with a change in fetal movements should be invited into Maternity assessment/triage for CTG. If CTG is normal leave the balloon catheter in place and continue the remainder of the IOL as an inpatient with 6 hourly CTGs.

Technique for insertion of the Cook Cervical Ripening Balloon

Offer suitable analgesia such as Entonox.
Place patient in lithotomy with end of bed removed.
Clean perineum with sterile water and insert sterile speculum to visualise cervix.
Clean the cervix with sterile water and grasp with Rampley’s sponge holding forceps.
Loosen the fitting on the proximal hub of the Cooks balloon and adjust the wire so that the tip lies flush with the tip of the balloon then tighten the fitting to secure the wire.
Use the stylet to place the balloon through the internal os and then remove the wire before advancing until both balloons are through the internal os.
Inflate the uterine balloon with 40mls 0.9% sterile NaCl then pull back until the vaginal balloon is visible outside the external os.
Inflate the vaginal balloon with 20mls 0.9% sterile NaCl then sequentially add more saline to each balloon in turn to a maximum of 80mls per balloon. The catheter can be taped to the patient’s thigh.
Document in BadgerNet the time of insertion and the volume in each balloon.