Medical company Glenveigh has introduced two disposable medical devices after 3 1/2 years of research.

The company named its new products Ebb and Jetty, which are designed to address two of the most costly conditions in health care that stem from pregnancy complications, Glenveigh executives said.

Through the application of pressure, Ebb and Jetty control post-birth bleeding more efficiently than other devices, CEO Richard Proctor said. The devices allow doctors to repair damage incurred during the 5 percent of births that require emergency intervention.

"When you cut your arm, you apply pressure and it stops the bleeding," Mr. Proctor said, as he described how the polyurethane balloons inflate to possibly save a mother's life.

While most of the country's 200,000 yearly complications from pregnancy may be treated with drugs, Glenveigh's products will fill the gap between drugs and surgery for women who don't respond to medication, Mr. Proctor said.

The company outsources manufacturing to Ireland, and has patented the Ebb in several countries to make room for future international sales, said Jeffrey Bradford, vice president of marketing for Glenveigh.

"If you use Ebb and save one blood transfusion, it's paid for," Mr. Bradford said.

Glenveigh's 25 employees "wear a lot of hats," he said.

For instance, the company's founder and chairman, Dr. David Adair, doubles as chief science officer, Mr. Procter noted.

"Dave (Adair) in the field as a practicing physician saw there were a lot of unmet needs, and there are so few products," Mr. Proctor said. "It's a neglected field."

Jeff Smith, vice president for operations, said his two main concerns have been clearing the U.S Food and Drug Administration and ensuring reliable devices.

"Quality is important in our industry," Mr. Smith said.

Glenveigh is currently prototyping and testing two other products, said Mr. Proctor.

"We've been flying under the radar on purpose," he said.

What do Glenveigh's new products do?

* Ebb: Two adjustable polyurethane balloons at the end of a catheter-type device that stops bleeding from birth complications.

* Jetty: A single polyurethane balloon inserted into the birth canal that allows doctors to repair an episiotomy or lacerations caused by instruments.