Comparative Study between two Types of Embryo Transfer Catheters: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Embryo transfer is a crucial step in IVF-embryo transfer treatment cycles, but it is probably the most inefficient. Ovarian stimulation, oocytes retrieval, fertilization and embryo culture have been extensively studied and are performed under tight control, while improvements in embryo transfer are less often considered. There are many factors, in addition to the embryo quality, that have been shown to influence the success of embryo transfer such as the technique used, the experience of the operator and the difficulty of the procedure. Aim of the Work: To compare the efficacy of the embryo transfer catheters: Wallace® and Prince® in an IVF program of a tertiary referral university center. Patients and Methods: A randomized controlled research trial conducted at private IVF unit and the unit of Reproductive Medicine of Ain-Shams University. Study subjects have been recruited from an IVF management cycle. The research study has been conducted from January 2016 till September 2019. Results: The current research study investigated four types of embryonic catheters Wallace, Prince with and without mandrel and Labotech most of the research study findings did not reveal any statistical significant differences by statistical analysis in which basic features and ovarian stimulation features did not differ between research groups categorized according to the type of catheter implemented. Conclusion: Another issue that should be considered in future research is the integration of uterine volume, cervical position, uterine axis as factors affecting the choice of the type of catheter that could aid in proper performance of this meticulous art of embryonic transfer besides differences in experience and practice performed by the reproductive clinician should be put in consideration. Future research studies should consider multicentric fashion of research with great consideration of age, BMI, ethnicity, infections (causing cervical edema) as factors affecting the anatomic integrity and position therefore affecting the ease of the embryonic transfer process.