BLOOMINGTON, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cook Medical’s Cervical Ripening Balloon will now be available with a guiding stylet that offers added stiffness to facilitate placement when conditions for inducing labor are unfavorable. The addition of a stylet helps obstetricians position the balloon exactly where it needs to be. The balloon is inserted approximately 12 hours before a planned induction to stimulate natural dilation of the cervix and provides a method for cervical ripening as an alternative to pharmaceuticals and their risk of potential side effects.

Inducing labor in patients with unfavorable cervical conditions can be a challenging process for obstetricians, and certain pharmaceutical methods may have side effects. The addition of this product to Cook’s line of labor and delivery products represents a strong commitment to physician feedback and convenience.

“The cervical ripening balloon is one of our most popular labor and delivery products,” said Christina Anné, vice president and global leader of Cook’s Women’s Health division. “We try to do everything we can to make the delivery process as safe and easy as possible for both the patient and the physician. This product addition will help the physician place the balloon accurately.”

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A global pioneer in medical breakthroughs, Cook Medical is committed to creating effective solutions that benefit millions of patients worldwide. Today, we combine medical devices, drugs, biologic grafts and cell therapies across more than 16,000 products serving more than 40 medical specialties. Founded in 1963 by a visionary who put patient needs and ethical business practices first, Cook is a family-owned company that has created more than 10,000 jobs worldwide. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com. Follow Cook Medical on Twitter and LinkedIn.