Efficacy of Double-balloon Catheter for Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction

Objecitve To study the indication, efficacy, and safety of double-balloon catheter for cervical ripening and labor induction in term pregnant women. Methods A total of 586 pregnant women using double-balloon catheters from May 2011 to October 2012 were divided into three groups according to their initial Bishop scores:group 1 (Bishop score ≤ 3, n=155), group 2 (Bishop score 4-5, n=223) and group 3 (Bishop score ≥ 6, n=208). The control group (Bishop score ≥ 6, n=112) were directly given low-dose of oxytocin through continuous intravenous infusion for labor induction. Results ① The effective rate of cervical ripening and the success rate of vaginal delivery in group 1, 2 and 3 were gradually increased, with significantly differences among the three groups. The rate and the duration of oxytocin infusion were gradually decreased in group 1, 2 and 3, also with significantly differences. ② The success rate of vaginal delivery in group 3 was significantly higher than that in control group. The average total labor stage of group 3 was significantly shorter than that of control group. The complications of mothers and fetus showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion The efficacy of double-balloon catheter for cervical ripening and labor induction was closely associated with the Bishop score. It is suitable in pregnant women with higher Bishop score.