14.06.2026 20:50
An idea that came to Argentine mechanic Jorge Odon in 2006 turned into an innovative device called OdonAssist, which facilitates childbirth. By using an inflatable air cushion, the device reduces the risks of traditional methods like forceps and vacuum. It was successfully tested in Europe and caught the attention of the World Health Organization.
A dream of an Argentine auto mechanic has virtually revolutionized the medical world. The OdonAssist, a birth device developed by mechanic Jorge Odon, inspired by a method for removing a cork from a bottle, is poised to replace risky methods used for centuries. Successfully tested across Europe, the invention has also garnered great praise from the World Health Organization (WHO).
MIRACLE IDEA FROM A BOTTLE
It all began when a worker in Jorge Odon's workshop used a bag to blow air into a bottle, removing a trapped cork in a single motion. Deeply impressed by this simple mechanism, Odon woke from his sleep days later with a great revelation. Believing this method could facilitate difficult births, the mechanic, along with his engineer partner, developed a prototype and knocked on the door of the medical world.
GENTLE ALTERNATIVE TO CENTURIES-OLD RISKY METHODS
Experts note that delivery rooms have seen almost no innovation since the 1950s, still using methods like forceps (metal tongs) or vacuum for difficult births. However, these methods can cause brain hemorrhage and bruises in babies, and serious tears in mothers. Odon's invented inflatable soft air cushion system gently grips the baby's head, allowing it to pass safely through the birth canal.
"I HARDLY FELT ANYTHING"
Ella Radford, a mother who gave birth in England using the device, described its comfort: "It was a beautiful experience. If I were to give birth again, I would definitely choose this method."
WHO DETAIL: SIMPLICITY AND SAFETY
WHO officials, who admitted they could not hide their astonishment upon first seeing Odon's prototype, highlight two aspects of the device: its simplicity and safety. Made of soft material, the device has caused no bruising, tissue blood accumulation, or injury in any baby tested so far. Additionally, since it does not require surgical intervention, it reduces the need for costly cesarean operations.
OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED IN EUROPEAN HOSPITALS
This innovative device successfully passed safety tests in the medical world and received the CE Kitemark certification. It has been successfully used in 300 births across 40 hospitals in 5 European countries, including England, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. Sterilized with gamma rays to eliminate infection risk, the device is produced as completely disposable and is offered to hospitals at a cost of $335.
"WHY DIDN'T WE THINK OF THIS BEFORE?"
English Doctor Emily Hotton, who conducted the clinical trials, could not hide her amazement at the device's success, commenting, "It's truly incredible that we didn't think of this before." Inventor mechanic Jorge Odon, who retired by selling his workshop after his invention, highlighted that creativity knows no profession, stating, "Mechanics, carpenters, bricklayers... We are all creative."