Transcervical intrafallopian transfer of zygotes

Nonsurgical Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer

“…As a basis for devising a catheter suitable to be passed along the fallopian tube, we accepted that plastic splints of about 0.6 mm have been used successfully during operative anastomosis of the isthmus of the fallopian tube. 22 Several procedures have now been devised to image and to reach the fallopian tubes from the vagina with catheters, including radiography with contrast medium, 23 hysteroscopy, [24][25][26] ultrasound (as described by us and by others 13,[27][28][29], and, indeed, with no imaging and, instead, reliance just on tactile sensation. [30][31][32][33][34] Of these, ultrasound is the only objective way to image the catheter in the tube without otherwise disturbing the mucosa's function in its support for the transport and development of the ovum.…”

Therapeutic uses of transcervical catheterization of the fallopian tubes

“…Seven pregnancies were achieved in 26 women undergoing oocyte retrieval (27%). Pregnancy was also reported in 8 of 25 patients (32%) undergoing transvaginal tubal transfer of zygotes (Scholtes et al 1990). More information is required, notably on the diameter of catheter to be used, the volume of fluid to be injected with the gametes, the frequency of tubal pregnancy as well as immediate side effects such as tubal infection.…”