The choice of embryo transfer catheter affects embryo implantation after IVF.
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of two transfer catheters in an IVF program.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized clinical study.


METHODS
A private tertiary care center for ART.


METHODS
66 patients < 38 years of age undergoing IVF and/or ICSI.


METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to undergo ET using the Tomcat catheter (n = 32) or the TDT catheter (n = 34).


METHODS
Primary outcome measures were implantation and pregnancy rates. Secondary outcome measures were contamination with blood and/or mucus on the tip of the catheter, cramping or patient discomfort, and time required to complete ET.


RESULTS
Use of the Tomcat catheter resulted in significantly higher implantation (25.2% vs. 8.4%) and clinical pregnancy rates (47% vs. 14.7%) compared with the TDT catheter. All secondary outcome measures were similar for both catheters.


CONCLUSIONS
The choice of ET catheter may affect the success of IVF-ET cycles. Use of the Tomcat catheter compared with the TDT catheter seems to result in significantly better efficiency of the ET procedure and is more cost effective.
Meriano
J
J
Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toronto Centre for Advanced Reproductive Technology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Weissman
A
A
Greenblatt
E M
EM
Ward
S
S
Casper
R F
RF
D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic