Dilapan-S

Dilapan-S is a synthetic osmotic cervical dilator composed of Aquacryl, a patented hydrogel material. It is used for cervical ripening and induction of labor. The device consists of small, matchstick-sized rods that are inserted into the cervical canal. Its mechanism of action is purely mechanical and non-pharmacological; the rods absorb fluid from the surrounding cervical tissue, causing them to expand and exert radial pressure. This process gradually dilates the cervix and promotes softening (ripening) by dehydrating the tissue. It is often used as an alternative to hormonal methods like prostaglandins, particularly in cases where pharmacological induction is contraindicated or has failed. The device was evaluated by the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust in the PRODUCT trial as a second-line option for labor induction.

Brand names

Dilapan-S

Other names

Aquacryl hydrogel rodsynthetic osmotic cervical dilator