Rocket Medical Plc. and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust have officially announced the launch of their new medical device, the Tydeman® Tube, on Wednesday 24th July, 2024. The innovative device, created by NHS Fife consultant obstetrician Dr Graham Tydeman, aims to improve outcomes for patients and babies during caesarean sections.
According to a recent national survey, impacted fetal head at caesarean section is a serious and common issue encountered by obstetricians, occurring in 9% of cases where NHS Resolution panel solicitors were instructed to investigate liability. In these cases, the baby’s head becomes lodged in the pelvis and must be elevated for delivery, often resulting in serious injuries such as maternal trauma and haemorrhage, fetal eye injury, skull fracture, and even death.
The Tydeman Tube features a soft cup that is placed on the baby’s head prior to pushing up, replacing the use of fingertips. The device also includes a hollow handle to assist with elevation, spreading the force across a larger surface area than manual push up with fingers. This design not only aids in delivery but also relieves any suction present. Surgeons are able to direct the assistant in the amount and direction of force to be applied, reducing the risk of injury. The Tydeman Tube can be used from 7cm dilation onwards, making it a versatile tool for emergency situations.
Initial feedback from trials has been positive, with Professor of Maternal and Fetal Health Andrew Shennan of King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust stating, “We have used the Tydeman Tube at St Thomas’ Hospital and our senior clinicians have found it extremely useful in cases of suspected or encountered impacted fetal head at caesarean section.”
Rocket Medical Managing Director, Daniel J. Agustus, PhD., expressed his excitement about the partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, saying, “At Rocket Medical, we strive to improve patients’ lives, and we believe that this device will make a difference to users, patients, and babies during what can be difficult and stressful deliveries.”
Dr Debra Guest, Head of IP Commercialisation at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Centre for Innovation, Transformation and Improvement (CITI), also shared her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Partnering with Rocket Medical has been incredibly positive and we are delighted to launch the Tydeman Tube, which we believe will make emergency C-sections safer. At CITI, we are proud to support clinicians to develop solutions to healthcare’s most pressing problems and to work with industry partners like Rocket Medical to make those ideas a reality.”
The Tydeman Tube is now available in the UK through Rocket Medical and NHS Supply Chain, with plans for global distribution in the future. For further information, please visit www.rocketmedical.com or contact customerservices@rocketmedical.com.
The Tydeman Tube was invented by consultant obstetrician Graham Tydeman, NHS Fife, and developed in partnership with Professor Andrew Shennan of King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and Professor Annette Briley of Flinders University and Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (formerly of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust). The device is manufactured and sold by Rocket Medical Plc. under license from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Rocket Medical Plc. is a global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of medical devices, specializing in Women’s Health and Drainage.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust provides 2.6 million patient contacts in acute and specialist hospital services and community services every year. The Trust includes Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton Hospital, Harefield Hospital, and adult and children’s community services in Lambeth and Southwark.
As one of the biggest NHS trusts in the UK, with an annual turnover of £2.8 billion, Guy’s and St Thomas’ employs around 25,300 staff. The trust is also part of King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC), a collaboration between King’s College London, and Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts.
The Tydeman Tube is now available in the UK through Rocket Medical and NHS Supply Chain, with plans for global distribution in the future. For further information, please visit www.rocketmedical.com or contact customerservices@rocketmedical.com.
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