Embryo transfer using the SureView catheter-beacon in the womb.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the performance of the SureView catheter, a new ultrasonic embryo transfer (ET), with the classic Wallace catheter during ultrasound-guided ET.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study.


METHODS
Private, academically affiliated clinic.


METHODS
175 patients undergoing donor egg in vitro fertilization with ET (IVF-ET).


METHODS
Ultrasound-guided ET by a single physician with a standardized technique randomly using one of the two catheters.


METHODS
Implantation rate, pregnancy rate, ease of transfer, and visualization of catheter.


RESULTS
The echo-dense tip and the entire length of the SureView catheter were consistently seen with ultrasound guidance. Visualization was statistically significantly better, but there was no statistically significant difference with regard to the ease of transfer. Comparing the SureView with the classic Wallace catheters, the implantation rate (27.76% vs. 23.56%, respectively) and clinical pregnancy rate (41.02% vs. 43.29%, respectively) were similar in both groups. However, the physician using the SureView catheter noted a remarkably superior ease of transfer.


CONCLUSIONS
The SureView catheter with its ultrasonic contrast properties simplifies ultrasound-guided ET, but pregnancy rates are similar to those obtained when a classic Wallace catheter is used.
Allahbadia
Gautam N
GN
Rotunda, the Center for Human Reproduction, 672 Kalpak Gulistan, Master Vinayak Road, Opp Brah-makumari Garden, Bandra (West), Mumbai 400050, India.
Kadam
Kaushal
K
Gandhi
Goral
G
Arora
Sulbha
S
Valliappan
Jaya Balan
JB
Joshi
Anjali
A
Allahbadia
Swati
S
Wolman
Igal
I
D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods; D014599:Uterus