title: Making cervical ripening EASI: a prospective controlled comparison of single versus double balloon catheters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of two mechanical devices for cervical ripening: double versus single balloon catheters, both with extra-amniotic saline infusion (EASI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Women at term with a singleton pregnancy presenting for labor induction were assigned to receive the double balloon catheter (with EASI) or the single balloon catheter (with EASI). Outcomes included time from device insertion to delivery, rates of successful vaginal delivery and occurrence of adverse events.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and eighty-six women completed the study. Ripening success was comparable between the double and single balloon arms (96.4% versus 92.7%, p = 0.55, respectively). Balloon insertion to delivery interval was significantly shorter, and cesarean section rate was significantly lower in the double balloon arm compared with the single balloon arm (14.3 versus 15.8 h, p = 0.04 and 8.3% versus 20%, p = 0.05, respectively). There were no significant differences in maternal characteristics, satisfaction or adverse outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study is the first documented assessment of the double balloon catheter combined with EASI. Our findings suggest that the double balloon catheter results in reduced time to delivery and higher vaginal delivery rates, compared with the single balloon catheter with EASI, without compromising maternal or fetal safety.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center , Hadera , Israel and.
authors.forename: Elad
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mei-Dan
authors.forename: Asnat
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Walfisch
authors.forename: Constanza
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Valencia
authors.forename: Mordechai
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hallak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D020070:Cervical Ripening; D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004106:Dilatation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D012965:Sodium Chloride
keywords: Balloon; extra-amniotic saline infusion; labor induction