Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2004 Jul;47(7):1355-1362.

The Influence of Embryo Transfer Catheter on the Outcome of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

• Kim JA
• Lee YK
• Bae JM
• Choi YS
• Jee BC
• Ku SY
• Suh CS
• Choi YM
• Kim JG
• Moon SY
• Kim SH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of two different embryo transfer catheters, Norfolk and Wallace, in terms of the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo trabsfer (IVF-ET).
METHODS
One hundred and seventy-one IVF-ET cycles performed in 132 infertile couples were included in this retrospective study. The couples were subjected to two different embryo transfer catheter types: Norfolk catheter group (92 cycles) and Wallace catheter group (79 cycles). Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) was performed using step-down protocol with GnRH agonist or antagonist. Four or less embryos were transferred on day 2 or 3 after oocyte retrieval. The luteal phase was supported by intramuscular progesterone (Progest) or intravaginal 8% progesterone gel (Crinone).
RESULTS
The pregnancy rate per ET and the implantation rate were significantly higher in Wallace catheter group, respectively (20.7% vs. 34.2%, p=0.047; 9.7% vs. 15.1%, p=0.047). No statistically significant differences were observed in the other parameters between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
The Wallace catheter showed better IVF-ET outcomes when compared with the Norfolk catheter in our study. Further prospective randomized controlled studies in a larger scale will be necessary to confirm our findings.

Keyword

IVF-ET; Embryo transfer; Catheter; Pregnancy rate; Implantation rate

MeSH Terms

Catheters*
Embryo Transfer*
Embryonic Structures*
Family Characteristics
Female
Fertilization in Vitro*
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
Luteal Phase
Oocyte Retrieval
Pregnancy Rate
Progesterone
Retrospective Studies
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
Progesterone