The use of a cephalic perforator for delivery of the dead fetus in cases of severe abruptio placentae.

A technique of cephalic perforation and fetal bone screw application is described in 9 cases of severe abruptio placentae complicated by intra-uterine fetal death and uterine inertia. Eight of the patients were delivered per vaginam within 6 hours of the procedure. Besides rapid progress to vaginal delivery, fetal mutilation was minimal and no maternal injuries occurred.