Cerclage Lock

A cervical cerclage lock to prevent stitching from becoming ingrained in tissue and ensure safe, easy removal of sutures ahead of birth

ervical insufficiency is reported in 0.5% of the general obstetric population and in 8% of women with a history of previous mid-trimester miscarriages.
In order to prevent these types of miscarriage or preterm delivery, a gynecological procedure, known as cervical cerclage, was developed.
In cervical cerclage, a stitch, such as a purse-string stitch is performed by a surgeon to force shut the cervix. This stitching is usually performed in 4 points through the cervix and includes a suture band knot to an upper region of the cervix.
Typically, cerclage is performed around 13-14 weeks into gestation under anesthetic and is removed after week 37, or earlier if needed. 

Usually, removal is an office procedure performed without anesthesia.

The problem associated with the cerclage procedure is that stitches may become ingrained into the tissue, and as a consequence, it may be difficult to find the region to cut into in order to remove it.

When the knot becomes embedded in vaginal tissue, removal may cause significant discomfort for the patient and moreover, it may lead to cervical damage.