LIFT: Lifting the Impacted fetal head; the Fetal Pillow® and Tydeman® Tube trial: protocol for a prospective observational study to evaluate two disimpaction devices.

BACKGROUND

Impacted fetal head (IFH) at full dilatation caesarean section (CS) is an increasingly recognised obstetric emergency associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. Despite its importance, there is limited evidence to guide management, particularly the use of disimpaction devices.

METHODS

LIFT is a prospective observational trial comparing the use of two commercially available disimpaction devices-the Fetal Pillow® and the Tydeman® Tube -for the management of IFH at full dilatation caesarean section.

DISCUSSION: The LIFT study will compare the performance of the Fetal Pillow® and Tydeman® Tube in the management of IFH and contribute to the development of an evidence base to support best practice. As awareness of the clinical significance and implications of IFH continues to grow, generating robust data on available management options is essential. This study represents an important step toward optimising the safe and effective management of this challenging obstetric emergency.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT07372768, registered 28/01/2026, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07372768 .