PubMed · 9820932
Controlled radiofrequency endotubal sterilization.
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE: A safe, effective, inexpensive method of transcervical tubal sterilization could have a major impact on women's health. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a new radiofrequency catheter prototype designed for endotubal sterilization using animal models. SETTING: Animal research laboratory. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. METHOD: The optimal energy delivery to create a complete circumferential transmural thermal lesion in the tube was determined in 114 in vitro acute studies using porcine and bovine fallopian tubes. A study was then initiated with eight mini-pigs. Thirty-four lesions were made in the fallopian tubes using computer-controlled power delivery. Three weeks later the animals were euthanized and evaluated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A hydrosalpinx was evident in 8/11 of the tubes with separate proximal and distal cautery, implying occlusion at each of these sites. Complete occlusion of the tubes was seen at 12/22 sites evaluated by histology. Narrowing was seen in 9/22, and 1/22 was open. CONCLUSION: The endotubal cautery prototype creates a reproducible lesion, but did not always cause complete closure of the tube in this preliminary study. However, based on our results, we hypothesize that a radiofrequency catheter can be developed for minimally invasive transcervical sterilization.
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B S Hurst, S Thomsen, K Lawes, T Ryan. 1998. Controlled radiofrequency endotubal sterilization.. https://doi.org/10.1023/a%3A1006542801632
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