Shoulder dystocia is a dangerous complication of childbirth when the baby’s head has emerged, but its shoulder is stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone.

Shoulder dystocia occurs in at least 1.5 million births annually worldwide — and it’s increasing as birthweights rise.

Babies stuck like this can suffocate if not extracted within five to seven minutes, and standard manual maneuvers to free them can cause injuries — one of the leading reasons for obstetric malpractice suits in the United States.

Israeli OB/GYN Dr. Abraham Yaari had an idea for solving this critical unmet need, a simple device that could be used even in developing countries.

He explained the concept to medical device entrepreneur (and father of five) Aaron Feldman after a chance meeting in a synagogue on Rosh Hashana seven years ago.

The two started a company, FetalEase, to develop the Yaari Extractor. It’s the first-ever device that resolves shoulder dystocia quickly and safely.

Feldman says obstetricians are so eager for the Yaari Extractor that some of them are investing toward getting it to market.

Read more below about this potentially lifesaving device born of a conversation between Israeli neighbors with extraordinary expertise and knowhow.

Shabbat shalom,