Sterilization with Methyl Cyanoacrylate–induced Fallopian Tube Occlusion from a Nonsurgical Transvaginal Approach in Rabbits

Abstract

To evaluate a nonsurgical, nonhormonal sterilization procedure performed with use of transvaginal microcatheterization techniques and methyl cyanoacrylate (MCA) as a sclerosing agent Seventeen adult virgin female rabbits underwent bilateral fallopian tube cannulation through a nonsurgical transvaginal approach with use of a coaxial catheter system with fluoroscopic guidance. Fourteen of the rabbits underwent bilateral fallopian tube occlusion with direct MCA injection; the remaining three rabbits were separated as controls. Three of the rabbits with occlusions were killed as temporal histologic controls. The remaining 11 rabbits with occlusions and the initial three controls underwent 6 months of mating trials. All 17 rabbits were killed. Gross inspection was performed and histologic specimens of their fallopian tubes were obtained. None of the 11 rabbits with occlusions that underwent mating became pregnant. All three control rabbits became pregnant. Histologic examination of the occluded fallopian tubes demonstrated long-segment tubal wall fibrosis with varying degrees of occlusion. No peritoneal abnormalities were identified. Histologic findings for the three control animals were normal. With use of a nonsurgical transcervical coaxial catheter system, MCA can be placed directly into fallopian tubes without difficulty. MCA administration leads to fallopian tube fibrosis and occlusion. A 100% nonpregnancy rate was demonstrated. Further investigation may lead to a safer, more convenient, and less expensive form of permanent sterilization.