Air in the transfer catheter does not affect the success of embryo transfer.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect on embryo transfer (ET) success of air loaded into the transfer catheter to bracket the embryo-containing medium.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study.


METHODS
University teaching hospital.


METHODS
One hundred two consecutive patients undergoing ET after IVF.


METHODS
In group 1 (n = 52), embryos were loaded as follows: 200 microL of air in the syringe, 100-125 microL of air in the proximal part of the catheter, 20-25 microL of medium containing the embryos to be transferred, and 10 microL of air at the tip of the catheter. In group 2 (n = 50), the syringe and the entire catheter were filled with medium and the embryo-containing medium (20-25 microL) was aspirated without being bracketed by air spaces.


METHODS
Implantation and pregnancy rates.


RESULTS
No differences were found between groups 1 and 2 with respect to implantation and pregnancy rates.


CONCLUSIONS
The air loaded into the transfer catheter to bracket the embryo-containing medium has no negative effect on ET success.
Moreno
Vicenta
V
Institut Clínic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Clínic-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Faculty of Medicine-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Balasch
Juan
J
Vidal
Ester
E
Calafell
Josep M
JM
Cívico
Salvadora
S
Vanrell
Juan A
JA
D000388:Air; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic