Jorge Odón

Jorge Odón
Image captured from a YouTube video showing Jorge Odón demonstrating the OdonDevice
Odón demonstrating the Odon device
Bornc. 1954
Argentina
OccupationsInventor, auto mechanic
Notable workOdon device

Jorge Odón (born c. 1954) is an Argentine inventor.[1] Odón worked as an automobile mechanic in Lanús, Argentina. He ran a wheel balancing and alignment centre while simultaneously developing his ideas for mechanical innovations in the automotive sector, inventions for which he holds a number of patents.[2][3]

The eponymous invention for which he is best known is called the Odon device.[4] The invention and its associated procedures were conceived to assist with difficult childbirth.[5] It is intended to be less hazardous and invasive than vacuum extraction or the use of obstetrical forceps.[6]

Odón's invention was inspired by a YouTube video of a party trick that uses an inflated plastic bag to remove a cork trapped inside of a wine bottle.[7][8][9] After seeing this, Odón had the idea that the technique might be applicable to births requiring mechanical assistance. He subsequently spoke with an obstetrician who encouraged him to pursue the idea further.[1] His first prototype of the device was made by sewing a sleeve onto a cloth bag. It was tested using a child's doll inserted into a glass jar.[3]

In complicated deliveries, the device is positioned against the baby's scalp and the lubricated sleeve is gently inserted around the baby's head.[10] Once a marker on the device indicates that it has been properly positioned, the applicator is removed and sleeve's inner "air-cuff" is inflated,[9][10] providing a strong grip on the baby's head. The inflated sleeve is used to help gently pull the baby's head through the birth canal, facilitating delivery while reducing trauma and the risk of injury to both mother and child.[10][8]

Odón's invention, known commercially as OdonAssist, has been tested by the World Health Organization in Argentina and South Africa. In 2025, OdonAssist[2] gained Kitemark CE approval, which states that the device is considered safe for use in Europe.[8] It was successfully tested in the United Kingdom at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, and as of 2026 had been used in continental Europe to deliver c. 300 babies.[6][11][12]

References

  1. 1 2 Hallett, Vicky (26 August 2018). "Whatever Happened To ... The Car Mechanic Who Invented A Device To Pop Out A Baby?". National Public Radio. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
  2. 1 2 "OdonAssist™ in the Designing Motherhood exhibition, 2022–2023". Gates Discovery Center. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
  3. 1 2 McNeil Jr, Donald G. (14 November 2013). "Car Mechanic Dreams Up a Tool to Ease Births". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 30 May 2026.
  4. ↑ Kelley, Rich (24 May 2018). "Inventor Jorge Odón, Global Health Experts Mario Merialdi and David Milestone, and Director Claudia Weill join Playwright Chiara Atik and Editor Sonia Epstein to discuss Birthing Technology and BUMP". Ensemble Studio Theatre. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  5. ↑ Brownstone, Sydney (12 May 2014). "Jorge Odón—For easing childbirth in the developing world". Fast Company. Archived from the original on 5 July 2025. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
  6. 1 2 "La tecnica Odon. Alternativa alla ventosa durante il parto. Il Policlinico di Milano tra i primi gruppi pilota internazionali" [The Odon technique. Alternative to the ventouse during childbirth. Milan Policlinico amongst the first in an international test group]. Policlinico of Milan (in Italian). Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  7. ↑ Venema, Vibeke (3 December 2013). "Odon childbirth device: Car mechanic uncorks a revolution". BBC World Service. Retrieved 30 May 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 Ketibuah-Foley, Jasmine (17 May 2026). "Southmead Hospital celebrates gentle assisted birth device launch". BBC News. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
  9. 1 2 Myers, Lynne (13 July 2021). "The Odon childbirth device was inspired by a corked wine bottle hack". Designboom. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
  10. 1 2 3 "New challenges in operative vaginal delivery: the Odon device. A systematic review". Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction. 54 (9) – via ScienceDirect.
  11. ↑ "A Biella nato per la prima volta in Piemonte un bimbo con l'uso del sacchetto". RaiNews (in Italian). 6 March 2026. Retrieved 30 May 2026.
  12. ↑ New device helping women in childbirth. 15 May 2026. Retrieved 26 August 2026 – via BBC Woman's Hour.
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