Vacuum Extraction Injury

Vacuum Extraction Lawyers

Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorneys

When labor and delivery becomes stalled, a doctor may advise the use of medical tools, such as forceps or vaccum extraction, to assist with the delivery.  There are 2 types of vacuum extraction used today – the soft cup method and the metal cup method. Although soft cup vacuum extraction has a greater risk of becoming detached during the procedure, it is gentler on the baby and mother.  Conversely, metal cup vacuum extraction rarely becomes detached from the newborn but it carries a greater risk of injury to the newborn.  If your child has been injured as a result of a vacuum extraction delivery, the Chicago area birth injury attorneys at Ankin Law Offices can help determine whether medical malpractice was the cause.

Because a newborn’s scalp is soft and the bones not yet fully fused, the newborn’s head highly susceptible to bruising and disfigurement if the pressure and suction of the vacuum is not properly administered and monitored.  Moreover, incorrect insertion of the vacuum can also injure the mother.
Both methods of vacuum extraction methods carry a risk of a subgaleal hemorrhage, in which there is bleeding between the newborn’s scalp and skull.  This type of hemorrhage can result in a swelling of the newborn’s head that must be treated immediately or the condition can result in anemia, seizures, shock or death.

Vacuum extractions also carry a risk of retinal birth injuries in which the newborn’s eyes have red rings or small amounts of blood. Retinal birth injuries may clear up quickly without treatment but, in some cases, the child may suffer lasting vision problems as a result.  
If you or your child has been injured as a result of vacuum extraction, you may wish to consult a Chicago medical malpractice attorney.  Ankin Law Offices has years of experience helping clients to pursue their medical malpractice claims and recover for their medical expenses and pain and suffering.