Impact of embryo replacement depth on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the impact of embryo replacement depth on IVF and embryo transfer outcomes.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis (May 2005 to November 2008) of 5,055 ultrasound-guided embryo transfers belonging to 3,930 infertile couples. The distance between the fundal endometrial surface and the catheter tip was measured and accordingly, patients were divided into five groups.


METHODS
Anatolia IVF Center, Ankara, Turkey.


METHODS
All patients enrolled in the IVF program undergoing embryo transfer.


METHODS
No patient received any additional procedure or intervention.


METHODS
Clinical pregnancy rate (PR) and ongoing PR.


RESULTS
Mean total number of embryos transferred in groups 4 and 5 were significantly higher than in groups 2 and 3. Analysis of PRs and outcome of gestations in the five groups studied yielded similar PRs in all groups except for group 1.


CONCLUSIONS
Pregnancy rates and ongoing PRs are higher if the embryos are replaced at a distance >10 mm from the fundal endometrial surface. In addition because significantly more embryos were replaced in cycles where the transfers occurred at a distance of >20 mm, a distance>10 mm to <20 mm seems to be the best site for embryo transfer to achieve higher PRs.
Tiras
Bulent
B
Anatolia IVF Center, Ankara, Turkey; Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara, Turkey.
Polat
Mehtap
M
Anatolia IVF Center, Ankara, Turkey.
Korucuoglu
Umit
U
Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara, Turkey. Electronic address: korucu23@yahoo.com.
Zeyneloglu
Hulusi Bulent
HB
Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Yarali
Hakan
H
Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara, Turkey.
D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult