Embryo transfer using the SureView catheter-beacon in the womb

Abstract

Objective: To compare the performance of the SureView catheter, a new ultrasonic embryo transfer (ET), with the classic Wallace catheter during ultrasound-guided ET.

Design: Prospective, randomized study.

Setting: Private, academically affiliated clinic.

Patient(s): 175 patients undergoing donor egg in vitro fertilization with ET (IVF-ET).

Intervention(s): Ultrasound-guided ET by a single physician with a standardized technique randomly using one of the two catheters.

Main outcome measure(s): Implantation rate, pregnancy rate, ease of transfer, and visualization of catheter.

Result(s): 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.

Conclusion(s): 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.