Obstetric vacuum extraction.

A brief historical review of vacuum extraction, indications for use, safety considerations, mode of action, delivery technique, and discussion of nursing implications is presented. Safety and effectiveness of vacuum extraction are supported by the results of a comparative study done at Mount Sinai Medical Center in which 256 vacuum extractions and 300 randomly selected forceps deliveries were performed. Indications for use, clinical status before application, maternal complications, and immediate neonatal complications are analyzed and discussed.