Guided Embryo Transfer Research Articles

Ultrasound tracking of the movement of embryo-associated air bubbles on standing after transfer.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether standing upright shortly after embryo transfer has any potential to affect the position of embryos transferred to the uterine cavity during treatment with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This was assessed by ultrasound-guided tracking of embryo-associated air within the uterine cavity. A prospective study of 93 patients undergoing 101 consecutive embryo transfers in an IVF programme was carried out. Transvaginal ultrasound guided embryo transfer was performed with a second ultrasound in standing position immediately after transfer, allowing the movement of embryo-associated air to be assessed. No movement occurred in 94.1% (95/101) of transfers, movement of <1 cm in 4.0% (4/101) of transfers and movement of 1-5 cm in 2.0% (2/101) transfers. No movement of embryo-associated air out of the uterine cavity, either into the cervix or the intramural portion of the Fallopian tube, was seen. Standing shortly after embryo transfer does not play a significant role in the final position of embryo-associated air and is unlikely to be a factor in determining the position of embryos transferred to the uterine cavity during treatment with IVF.

Potentially important variables identified by transvaginal ultrasound- guided embryo transfer

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided embryo transfer was performed on 121 consecutive patients. Observation was made of guiding cannula and transfer catheter placement in relation to the endometrial surface and uterine fundus during embryo transfer. The position and movement of a transfer-associated air bubble and the impact of subendometrial myometrial contraction leading to endometrial movement was observed. Results indicate that tactile assessment of embryo transfer catheter placement is unreliable: in 17.4% of transfers the outer guiding catheter inadvertently abutted the fundal endometrium. The outer guiding cannula indented the endometrium in 24.8% and the transfer catheter embedded in the endometrium in 33.1%. Unavoidable sub-endometrial transfers occurred in 22.3% of transfers. Ultrasound-guided transfer avoided accidental tubal transfer in 7.4% of transfers. Transfer catheter withdrawal did not significantly affect embryo transfer-associated air bubble position. Endometrial movement due to sub-endometrial myometrial contraction was obvious in 36.4% of cases, with active motion of the transfer-associated air bubble occurring in 28.1%. Pregnancies occurred in 45.5% of transfers with endometrial movement compared to 15.6% (P < 0.001) without.

Diagnostic imaging of fertility disorders

It is estimated that as many as 15% of married couples are affected by fertility disorders. The number of such couples seeking medical help has increased dramatically in the past 10 years due to both relative and absolute factors. The increase in population, the rising rate of sexually transmitted diseases, and the reduced availability of adoptable infants all contribute to the magnitude of this problem. The role of diagnostic imaging in the effective and compassionate care of couples desiring offspring is the subject of this review. Infertility is a disorder of a couple, not of two individuals. The diagnostic evaluation, therefore, must include both partners. Hysterosalpingography and ultrasound constitute the mainstay of the evaluation of the female member. The various techniques and complications of hysterosalpingography are reviewed. The normal appearance of the uterine cavity together with a review of the numerous anomalies and variations that might be encountered are presented. Along similar lines, the possible filling defects, synechiae, postoperative changes, and other alterations that may be encountered in imaging the uterine cavity are described. Evaluation of the fallopian tubes is of paramount importance, primarily to assess patency but also to assess the possibility of patent but diseased salpinges or disease of the surrounding peritubal tissue. Recently, interventional techniques using radiographic and sonographic control have been developed and are beginning to demonstrate promising results in the management of fallopian tube obstruction. These procedures, adapted from previously established radiographic interventive techniques, are discussed. The role of diagnostic imaging of the male partner is of lesser magnitude. Clinical assessment and semen evaluation generally permit adequate assessment of the male factor. Occasionally, however, vasography and seminal vesiculography are called into play. More frequently, sonographic evaluation to establish the presence of varicoceles is necessary. Such techniques are reviewed, as well as the interventional approaches for ablating varicoceles. The application of conventional and transvaginal sonography in the management of gynecologic fertility disorders is reviewed. Follicular monitoring, guided follicle aspiration, assessment of the status of the endometrium, guided embryo transfer and tubal cannulation, and evaluation of other pelvic disorders are significant factors in the appropriate management of the infertile couple. The advent of transvaginal techniques has greatly facilitated these procedures. This presentation is intended to provide an improved understanding of the role of diagnostic imaging, thus increasing the capabilities of radiologists involved in the care and management of the infertile or subfertile couple.