The Influence of Embryo Transfer Catheter on the Outcome of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. |
Jin A Kim, Yu Kyung Lee, Jae Man Bae, Young Sik Choi, Byung Chul Jee, Seung Yup Ku, Chang Suk Suh, Young Min Choi, Jung Gu Kim, Shin Yong Moon, Seok Hyun Kim |
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. 2Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. |
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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. |
Key Words:
IVF-ET, Embryo transfer, Catheter, Pregnancy rate, Implantation rate |
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