Prevention and/or Reduction of Hemorrhoids and/or Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids (TEH) Using the HEM-AVERT Perianal Stabilizer Instrument

This study is being conducted to evaluate an investigational instrument called the HEM-AVERT™ Perianal Stabilizer and its efficacy in reducing the occurrence or severity of hemorrhoids and thrombosed external hemorrhoids (TEH). Hemorrhoids and TEH are caused by blood pooling in a distended vein and forming a clot, or thrombose, in the outer region of the anus. An anal fissure is a small split or tear in the anal mucosa that may result in painful bowel movements and bleeding. Like hemorrhoids, anal fissures are common in women after childbirth. Lacerations are graded as first, second, third and fourth degree. First and second degree are perineal lacerations and involve the mucosa and perineum and usually heal by themselves. First and second degree lacerations are considered to be a normal occurrence in child birth. Third degree lacerations involve the anal sphincter and fourth degree lacerations involve the sphincter and mucosa of the anus with bowel involvement and usually require surgical repair. Per the product classification that was assigned to this instrument by the FDA, the instrument is both non-invasive and posses a non-significant risk. It is classified as a manual, general instrument with no specific indications, but has a general indication of stabilizing pressure. The purpose of this clinical study is to collect data to support a 510(k) application to obtain the specific indication of preventing the occurrence of hemorrhoids, or reducing the severity of hemorrhoids which often occur during vaginal deliveries. Hemorrhoids and TEH represent common adverse events in vaginal births with reported occurrences ranging from a low of 9% to a high of 34% in the reported literature. Currently no preventative treatment exists. There will be two study groups; an investigational group (subjects receiving the HEM-AVERT™ instrument) and the control group (subjects will not receive the HEM-AVERT™ instrument). The HEM-AVERT™ Perianal Stabilizer is a Class 1, exempt device in accordance with FDA regulation 21 CFR 890.5765. The HEM-AVERT™ is a non-invasive instrument used to provide continuous pressure to the perianal region as a means to help provide support during the labor process. Each HEM-AVERT™ instrument is a single use, disposable, sterile, individually packaged instrument. The HEM-AVERT™ instrument consists of three components: 1) a rigid polymer base manufactured from a medical grade polycarbonate; 2) a centrally located cushioning pad which is composed of a laminate of medical grade polyester non-woven tape and medical grade polyethylene foam tape; and 3) two lateral hook and loop fastener adhesive strips (with liners) ("loop" strips that attach to the mating "hook" [similar to VELCRO®]) which is used to provide the tension needed to keep the instrument firmly in place during delivery. The cushioning pad and adhesive strips are manufactured using materials commonly found in medical instruments and used in medical procedures. All of the materials used to manufacture this instrument meet the available national or international standards specifications as applied to this instrument. This instrument is not to be implanted.