99TcmO4-输卵管显像对不孕症患者腹腔镜手术的价值

目的应用99TcmO₄-输卵管显像研究不孕症患者X线子宫输卵管造影（HSG）显示机械性通畅输卵管的功能受损程度,进而研究99TcmO₄-输卵管显像对腹腔镜手术的价值。 方法对HSG显示至少一侧输卵管通畅或通而不畅的不孕症女性患者166例（通畅输卵管91条,通而不畅输卵管222条,单侧不通输卵管19条）行99TcmO₄-输卵管显像。并对HSG显示通畅的91条输卵管进行99TcmO₄-输卵管显像及腹腔镜对比分析。采用SPSS 17.0软件对HSG检查通畅输卵管99TcmO₄-显像的输卵管功能损伤程度与腹腔镜检查的输卵管通畅性进行比较并行χ2检验。 结果对HSG显示输卵管机械性通畅（包括通畅及通而不畅）的不孕症患者,99TcmO₄-输卵管显像结果显示输卵管功能受损的阳性率为78.3%。对不孕症患者HSG检查显示通畅的输卵管,行99TcmO₄-显像及腹腔镜结果比较,其差异有统计学意义（χ2=27.56,P < 0.05）。其中,若腹腔镜显示通畅,则放射性核素99TcmO₄-输卵管显像显示输卵管功能以正常及轻度受损为主;若腹腔镜显示通而不畅,则放射性核素99TcmO₄-输卵管显像显示输卵管功能以中、重度受损及无功能为主。 结论放射性核素99TcmO₄-输卵管显像对输卵管功能受损程度及通畅性的判断具有重要价值,对临床腹腔镜手术选择具有重要指导价值,尤其对HSG显示输卵管通畅的不孕症患者能否进行腹腔镜手术价值更大。     

球囊导管加压注射法子宫输卵管造影对不孕症的应用价值

目的探讨利用球囊导管加压注射泛影葡胺行子宫输卵管造影的应用价值。方法对219例不孕症用76%泛影葡胺采用球囊导管加压注射法作子宫输卵管造影检查,并在透视下实时点片。结果普通注射时双侧输卵管显示185例(84.47%),单侧显示24例;加压注射后203例(92.69%)双侧输卵管显示,单侧显示14例,成功率100%。子宫畸形见于9例,输卵管异常131例,造影剂弥散与吸收异常104例。结论利用球囊导管加压注射水溶性造影剂,可以明显提高子宫输卵管造影质量及输卵管再通效果,有重要的临床价值。     

Ultrasound hysterosalpingography with levovist in the diagnosis of tubaric patency]

PURPOSE. AIM: To asses the diagnostic value of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) with Levovist(R) as alternative to conventional hysterosalpingography (HSG) in the study of infertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From September 1988 to March 2000 we evaluated 120 patients with a history of infertility. Thirty patients underwent both HyCoSy and HSG. HyCoSy was performed in the pre-ovulatory phase of mestrual cycle. The tecnique was the same for both examinations. After administering 15 ml contrast medium, we visualized the endometrial cavity, the flow of the contrast medium along the fallopian tubes and its passage into the peritoneum. RESULTS: In all cases Color-Power Doppler allowed visualization of the uterine cavity and of the spilling of the contrast medium into the peritoneum, yielding information on tube patency that was comparable to that obtained by conventional HSG. In 28 cases (93%) we obtained optimal visualization of the contrast medium at the level of both the endometrial cavity and the fallopian tubes. HyCoSy proved to be superior to conventional HSG in evaluating adjacent myometrial structures, adnexa and degree of follicular maturation, equal to HSG in visualizing the passage of the contrast medium into the peritoneum but inferior to HSG in imaging the fallopian tubes owing to their tortuosity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The absence of ionising radiation makes HyCoSy a possible first choice examination in the evaluation of fallopian tube pathology. Conventional HSG should be kept for doubtful cases or for surgical procedures to correct mono- or bilateral obstruction.     

输卵管妊娠后慢性输卵管炎的造影分析

目的 研究慢性输卵管炎的造影表现,提高子宫输卵管造影术(HSG)对输卵管性不孕的诊断能力,并对输卵管妊娠患者再次备孕提供指导.方法 回顾性分析2018年1月至2019年8月在我院就诊的既往有输卵管妊娠史患者的资料,共计58例,115条输卵管,其中输卵管妊娠患病64条.在月经干净以后3～7 d内进行HSG检查,观察输卵管...     

子宫输卵管通液测压诊疗仪的临床应用价值

目的:探讨子宫输卵管通液测压诊疗仪(简称遥控造影仪)的临床应用价值.方法:应用遥控造影仪对149例不孕症患者行子宫输卵管造影术(HSG),并观察宫腔及输卵管情况.结果:输卵管完全梗阻85条(29.5%),其中积水23条;不完全梗阻37条(12.8%),积水9条;完全通畅166条(57.7%).子宫畸形13例(8.7%);宫腔粘连16例(10.7%);子宫内膜炎31例(20.8%);子宫正常者89例(59.7%).所有病例中出现各类对比剂逆流12例(8.1%).结论:使用遥控造影仪进行子宫输卵管造影是一种安全可靠的造影方法,但子宫造影管需要进一步改进.     

Hysterosalpingography in the assessment of proximal tubal pathology: a review of congenital and acquired abnormalities

Tubal and peritoneal disease are the main causes of infertility. Tubal pathology can be either congenital malformation or acquired, proximal or distal, unilateral or bilateral and transient or permanent. Several imaging methods such as laparoscopy, fluoroscopy, saline infusion sonography, and hysterosalpingography (HSG) have been used in the assessment of tubal and peritoneal pathology. Although laparoscopy is the modality of choice for investigating tubal patency and pelvic structure in many infertility centers, HSG is usually the initial diagnostic method for infertility workup because of its ease of performance, accuracy, and minimal risk of complications. This method provides useful information about size, contour, and anatomy of the inner surface of the fallopian tubes and is the gold standard for evaluation of tubal lumen. Tubal and peritubal pathology show various imaging manifestations on HSG. This review illustrates the radiographic features of congenital and acquired structural abnormalities of the proximal tubal pathology and along with etiology of proximal obstruction or occlusion will be described.     

HyCoSy--as good as claimed?

Hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy) has been compared favourably in the literature with hysterosalpingography (HSG). It does not require ionizing radiation and demonstrates the uterus and ovaries. HyCoSy is reported as being a safe, well tolerated, quick and easy investigation of Fallopian tube patency. Over a 1-year period HyCoSy was performed by two operators on 118 consecutive women who were thought likely to have patent Fallopian tubes. The examinations were graded using a local scale to assess discomfort and were correlated with tubal patency. HSG was performed on 116 patients by the same operators and discomfort recorded. 15 patients underwent both examinations. The degree of pain or reaction was graded 0 (no pain) to 4 (maximum) according to a locally devised scale. Costs of the two examinations were estimated. 89 patients examined by HyCoSy were graded 0-2. However, 23 had severe protracted pain and/or vasovagal reactions with bradycardia and hypotension. Of these, seven required resuscitation owing to prolonged symptoms, requiring treatment with atropine. 19 of the 23 had bilaterally patent Fallopian tubes. Where subsequent HSG was performed, tubal occlusion was confirmed in 8 of 15 women. Other pathologies were noted in 29 of the HyCoSy patients and there were six technical failures. During the same period no severe adverse reactions occurred in 116 patients having HSG performed by the same operators. Three of the HSG examinations were technically unsuccessful. Discomfort following HyCoSy was much greater than that reported previously. Possible mechanisms are discussed but it does not appear to be related to tubal occlusion. Diagnostic accuracy, costs and discomfort compare unfavourably with HSG.     

Fluoroscopically guided transcervical fallopian tube recanalization of post-sterilization reversal mid-tubal obstructions

Purpose: To assess the technical success and early outcome of fluoroscopically guided transcervical fallopian tube recanalization (FTR) in mid-tubal occlusion following sterilization reversal surgery. Methods: From July 1995 to January 1998, patients with greater than 12 months secondary infertility underwent hysterosalpingography (HSG). FTR was performed in proximal or mid-tubal occlusion. Cases of FTR in mid-tubal occlusion were included in this study. Technical success (defined as complete tubal patency) using a standard guidewire and hydrophilic glidewire, the number of patients with at least one patent tube, and the intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy rates were determined. Results: Twenty-six infertile patients with previous sterilization reversal underwent HSG. Eight of 26 (31%) patients (mean age 32 years, range 23–37 years), had attempted FTR for mid-tubal occlusion at the site of surgical anastomosis. Fourteen tubes were attempted as there were two previous salpingectomies. Technical success was achieved in eight of 14 (57%) tubes attempted, resulting in five of eight (62%) patients having at least one patent tube. At follow-up (mean 18 months, range 12–28 months) in these five patients there was one intrauterine pregnancy. There were no ectopic pregnancies. Conclusions: FTR in mid-tubal obstruction in infertile patients following sterilization reversal surgery is technically feasible and may result in intrauterine pregnancy. In this small group there was a lower technical success rate and lower pregnancy rate than in unselected proximal tubal occlusion.     

选择性输卵管造影与再通术对输卵管近端梗阻的疗效分析

目的 探讨选择性输卵管造影与再通术在诊治输卵管近端梗阻方面的安全性和有效性。方法 １０３例输卵管近端梗阻患者,用自制的导管施行选择性输卵管造影,若输卵管近端仍梗阻,则行输卵管再通术。结果人１３５条输卵管中有５１条仅施行选择性输卵管造影即获得再通,剩下８４条输卵管施行输卵管再通术后６４条获再通,有效率达８５．２％,随访３０例,输卵管再通术后有８例宫内妊娠和１例宫外孕,选择性输卵管造影术后有５例宫内妊     

Diagnostic quality and complications of hysterosalpingography: oil- versus water-soluble contrast media--a randomized prospective study.

In a prospective randomized study of 417 patients, side effects and complications of contrast media and the diagnostic quality of images obtained after hysterosalpingography (HSG) were evaluated after use of diatrizoate meglumine (104 patients), ioxaglate (105 patients), iohexol (105 patients), or ethiodized poppy-seed oil (103 patients). The authors detected no differences among these groups in the prevalence of pain during HSG. The prevalence of lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding after HSG was significantly lower in the group that received ethiodized poppy-seed oil than in the three other groups. The prevalence of pelvic infection or inflammation was significantly lower with ethiodized poppy-seed oil than with water-soluble media. All contrast media provided acceptable diagnostic image quality with regard to fallopian tubes, peritoneal spill, and intraperitoneal distribution. Visualization of the uterine cavity and ampullary rugae was significantly better with water-soluble media than with ethiodized poppy-seed oil, which was associated with a high conception rate and which the authors consider preferable for HSG.     

简化器械开展输卵管再通治疗的探讨（附 38例报告）

目的：采用简化器械及手术方法开展输卵管再通术治疗输卵管阻塞,探讨其方法的临床意义和效果。采用Cook公司6F直型导管或其它6F导管改制作介入导管,Terumo公司超滑导丝做再通器械,治疗患者36人共38例次,经造诊断输卵管不能共64条,结果：输入卵管实现再通54条,再通有效率达84．37％,其中有2例采用腹腔镜结合管再通术实现再通,1例输卵管再通后8个月造影发现重新阻塞。结论：采用简化芨手术方法进行输卵管介入再操作简便,费用低,是一种治疗输卵管阻塞病变安全有效的方法。器械及手术方法的简化不但降低费用,且能达到理疗效。     

The value of hysterosalpingography before reversal of sterilization procedures involving the fallopian tubes

Knowledge of the length of the uterine end of the fallopian tube and the presence of tubal adhesions and fistulas is important when surgical reversal is undertaken in patients who have had tubal ligation. We retrospectively studied hysterosalpingograms in 127 such patients to determine their value in providing this information. The ligation was performed by using the Pomeroy technique in 57 patients. Sixty-one patients had bipolar electrocautery, six had Falope rings inserted, and three had Hulka clips applied. In all cases, the uterine ends of the tube were visualized to a point of obstruction. The sites of occlusion after Pomeroy ligation were midtubal (46%), cornual (16%), proximal ampullary (16%), proximal isthmic (14%), and intramural (8%). After the electrocautery procedure, the sites of occlusion were proximal isthmic (45%), intramural (20%), midtubal (19%), cornual (15%), and proximal ampullary (1%). When Falope rings and Hulka clips were used, the most frequent site of occlusion was midtubal (50%). Tubal adhesions, consistent with successful occlusion, were detected in 16 patients on the basis of a small confined area of extravasation of contrast material at the site of ligation. Tuboperitoneal fistulas, identified by the presence of contrast material spilled from the uterine end of the tube into the peritoneal cavity, were detected in five patients. Our results show that hysterosalpingography is a useful technique for determining the status of the uterine end of the fallopian tube after ligation when reversal of ligation is planned.     

Occlusion of the fallopian tube by selective transcatheter radiofrequency electrocoagulation: an experimental study in rabbits

PURPOSE: To test the feasibility of performing transcervical fallopian tube occlusion in a rabbit model with use of unipolar radiofrequency (RF) electrocoagulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under fluoroscopic guidance, transvaginal catheterization of the right or left fallopian tube was first performed with use of a coaxial technique in 20 rabbits. With a metal guide wire protruding from the catheter serving as the active electrode, RF electrocoagulation was performed. The power output was set to 200 W and the current was applied for 20 seconds. The fallopian tube on the contralateral side and the uterus were used as controls. Rabbits were randomly designated to be killed either 2 days (group I, n = 10) or 30 days (group II, n = 10) after the procedure, and tubal patency and histologic changes were evaluated. RESULTS: In group I, significant necrosis of the endosalpinx caused by RF electrocoagulation was found in all 10 rabbits. In group II, the occluded fallopian tube showed fibrosis of the wall in all 10 rabbits, but there was no tissue damage to adjacent organs. Histologic findings in the contralateral fallopian tubes were normal in all 20 rabbits. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter RF electrocoagulation proved to be a safe nonsurgical alternative for occlusion of the fallopian tubes in rabbits.     

MR hysterosalpingography in a rabbit model

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of MR imaging as compared with conventional hysterosalpingography (HSG) for the detection of fallopian tube patency after uterine injection of contrast material. Rabbit uterine horns (n = 18) were catheterized transvaginally. Five fallopian tubes were ligated and 11 were left unaltered. T1-weighted gradient-echo MR images were obtained before, during, and after injection of 1.0–3.0 mL of a dilute gadolinium-containing contrast agent. Corresponding conventional studies were performed with an equivalent volume of iohexol. Images were evaluated by two blinded readers. Observers agreed in all cases on the presence (n = 11) or absence (n = 5) of peritoneal spill with conventional HSG. Interpretation of MR HSG concurred with conventional HSG in 14 of 16 cases for each observer (P > .05). Reasons for misdiagnosis included small amounts of spill (n = 2), artifact (n = 1), and subtle spill between bowel loops (n = 1). Sensitivity and specificity for MR HSG were 95.5% and 70%, respectively, for the diagnosis of tubal patency/occlusions. No statistical difference was found between MR HSG and conventional HSG for the diagnosis of fallopian tube patency/obstruction. Potential advantages of MR HSG include no ionizing radiation, potentially diminished local contrast toxicity, superior visualization of uterine fibroids and endometriosis, and visualization of ovaries. We conclude that this technique warrants further study, including the use of a primate model to better simulate human anatomy.     

Terbutaline in diagnosis of interstitial fallopian tube obstruction

Effectiveness of terbutaline, a potent uterine muscle relaxant, for differentiation of temporary and anatomic interstitial fallopian tube obstruction (IFTO) at hysterosalpingography (HSG) was explored. In 43 IFTO evaluated, HSG after terbutaline showed patency in only one of 16 tubes in which IFTO was caused by spasm or other temporary cause. We conclude that terbutaline is not helpful in differentiating temporary from anatomic tubal obstruction during HSG.     

Use of n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate for Fallopian Tube Embolization via Selective Catheterization in a Rabbit Model: Feasibility Study for Potential Nonsurgical Sterilization

PurposeTo determine whether fallopian tube embolization with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (nBCA) administered via a microcatheter in a rabbit model was technically feasible and resulted in short-term tubal occlusion.Materials and MethodsIn 10 female New Zealand white rabbits, the 2 cervices were cannulated using a 5-F catheter and hydrophilic guide wire transvaginally. Salpingography confirmed tubal patency bilaterally. A 2.4-F microcatheter was advanced to the distal fallopian tube, and nBCA/ethiodized oil was administered as the microcatheter was withdrawn to fill the length of the tube. A metallic coil was deployed prior to nBCA administration in half of the fallopian tubes. Rabbits were evaluated for tubal occlusion with salpingography at 1 month, followed by euthanasia and histopathologic analysis. Inflammation and fibrosis were graded from 0 (normal) to 3 (severe).ResultsFallopian tube embolization was technically successful in 17 (85%) of 20 fallopian tubes. Thirteen (76%) of 17 embolized fallopian tubes were occluded at 1 month on salpingography (nBCA only, 7/9; nBCA and coil, 6/8). On histopathologic analysis, direct or indirect evidence of occlusion was observed in 14 (82%) of 17 fallopian tubes. Mild or early fibrosis was observed in 65% of the tubes. The mean inflammation and fibrosis scores for the embolized tubes were 0.62 and 0.94, respectively.ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrated that embolization of rabbit fallopian tubes using nBCA administered via a microcatheter is technically feasible and results in occlusion of most fallopian tubes in the short term with minimal inflammation. Investigation of efficacy in preventing pregnancy over the long term is warranted.     

Efficacy of Salpingography and Transcervical Recanalization in Diagnosis, Categorization, and Treatment of Fallopian Tube Obstruction

Purpose: The efficacy of selective salpingography (SS) and transcervical recanalization (TCR) in diagnosis, categorization, and determination of optimal treatment modality for fallopian tube obstruction was investigated. Methods: SS and, in some patients, TCR was performed in 430 patients with a diagnosis of obstruction of one or both fallopian tubes, as determined by hysterosalpingograms (HSG). All patients (age 21–46 years) had an infertility problem for at least 18 months. Results: In 196 patients, 325 tubes were patent on SS. TCR recanalized 243 tubes in 176 patients. Disease of the distal tube was demonstrated in 66 patients. There were 39 live babies in a group of 176 patients with successful TCR. Best live birth rate was in 7 of 12 (58%) patients with underlying endometriosis, followed by postsurgical strictures in inflammatory disease, 6 of 31 (19%), and salpingitis isthmica nodosa in 25 of 168 (15%). There were no pregnancies in patients with cobblestone pattern of the distal tubes. Conclusions: SS and TCR were capable of correcting obstruction of the proximal tubes in 243 of 465 tubes in 176 of 234 patients (75%). With patency of the proximal tube restored, the distal tube could be assessed for changes indicative of damage to the ciliated epithelium which was likely to reduce the ability to become pregnant. This allowed for the triage of patients into groups benefiting from the relatively inexpensive and low complication TCR or patients in need of in vitro fertilization or similar assisted reproductive technologies.     

Hysterosalpingographic features of cervical abnormalities: acquired structural anomalies

Cervical abnormalities may be congenital or acquired. Congenital cervical structural anomalies are relatively uncommon, whereas acquired cervical abnormalities are commonly seen in gynaecology clinics. Acquired abnormalities of the cervix can cause cervical factor infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Various imaging tools have been used for evaluation of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a quick and minimally invasive tool for evaluation of infertility that facilitates visualization of the inner surfaces of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, as well as the cervical canal and isthmus. The lesions of the uterine cervix show various imaging manifestations on HSG such as narrowing, dilatation, filling defects, irregularities and diverticular projections. This pictorial review describes and illustrates the hysterosalpingographic appearances of normal variants and acquired structural abnormalities of the cervix. Accurate diagnosis of such cases is considered essential for optimal treatment. The pathological findings and radiopathological correlation will be briefly discussed.Cervical abnormalities may be congenital or acquired and account for approximately 10% of cases of female infertility.¹ Congenital structural anomalies of the cervix are relatively uncommon, whereas acquired cervical abnormalities are commonly seen in the gynaecologic office setting. Acquired abnormalities secondary to cervical surgery and obstetrical trauma may contribute to cervical factor infertility. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a radiographic procedure to evaluate the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes after introduction of a radio-opaque agent through the cervical canal. Although HSG has been used over the years for several gynaecological indications, investigation of infertility is the most common reason for its use today. This method provides useful information regarding the inner surfaces of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, as well as the cervical canal and isthmus. HSG is considered to have 81.2% sensitivity and 80.4% specificity in comparison with hysteroscopy in the detection of intrauterine abnormalities.²We retrospectively reviewed 38,574 hysterosalpingograms performed over a 29-year period (January 1985–December 2013) by one author (GS). The hysterosalpingograms were performed for several indications, including infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding and symptoms related to uterine fibroids.This pictorial review describes and illustrates the hysterosalpingographic appearances of normal variation and acquired structural abnormalities of the cervix. The cases with structural lesions, such as cervical myomas (CMs), polyps, cancer, tuberculosis and chronic cervicitis, were confirmed by cytological and/or microbiological results.     

Fallopian tube occlusion with use of a small intestine submucosa device: evaluation in a rabbit model

PURPOSE: The present study evaluates the short- and midterm efficacy of a small intestinal submucosa (SIS) device for fallopian tube occlusion in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a pilot study, several SIS device designs were tested for positional stability (absence of migration). The design selected for further testing consisted of a center of spongy SIS surrounded by an SIS sheet and held together by a 0.006-inch wire helix with two barbs. It was delivered on the tip of a short coaxial 3-F/5-F catheter set. Using this design, bilateral transuterine fallopian tube occlusion was performed in eight New Zealand White rabbits. Follow-up consisted of plain radiography at 2 weeks and hysterosalpingography at 6 weeks (n = 4 animals; eight tubes), 12 weeks (n = 2 animals; four tubes), or 24 weeks (n = 2 animals; four tubes). Thereafter, the animals were killed and the fallopian tubes were harvested for histologic evaluation. RESULTS: A single device was placed successfully in each fallopian tube. Fifteen of 16 devices (94%) remained in place throughout follow-up. One device migrated into the vagina at 2-week follow-up. Hysterosalpingography of the 15 tubes with occluders in place showed occlusion in seven of seven (100%) at 6 weeks, three of four (75%) at 12 weeks, and two of four (50%) at 24 weeks. Histologic evaluation revealed luminal occlusion by reorganized SIS containing macrophages, fibrocytes, and scant foreign-body giant cells. Only a mild inflammatory reaction was observed around the tube. In the animals with recanalization at 12 and 24 weeks, new channels were found alongside the original still-occluded fallopian tube lumen. CONCLUSIONS: The original lumen of the fallopian tube was effectively occluded by the SIS occluder, which was remodeled within the fallopian tubes of rabbits. Partial peripheral recanalization was observed over time.     

Use of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer for tubal sterilization by selective catheterization in rabbits

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Uryx) in nonsurgically occluding the fallopian tube and achieving tubal sterilization in the rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten mature virgin female New England rabbits underwent transvaginal selective bilateral fallopian tube cannulation with use of a coaxial catheter system under general anesthesia. Selective salpingography was performed bilaterally to assess patency of the fallopian tubes. Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer was injected unilaterally through a microcatheter to completely fill the middle portion of the tube. Three to seven days after injection, each animal was bred. Conception was determined by ultrasonography (US) 7-19 days after effective breeding. If pregnant, the rabbit was killed. Otherwise, it was permitted to rebreed until pregnancy was achieved. Histologic specimens of the fallopian tubes were prepared and analyzed. RESULTS: Patency of the fallopian tubes was demonstrated bilaterally in all animals by the free spillage of contrast material into the peritoneum. The delivery of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer into the fallopian tubes was successful in all animals but one, in which most of the plug almost immediately extruded into the uterus. Pregnancy was detected by US in the untreated fallopian tube in the nine rabbits that were receptive to breeding. No pregnancies were detected in the injected side. Histologic analysis demonstrated variable degrees of occlusion, fibrosis, and inflammation, with the majority of specimens demonstrating mild to moderate inflammation and moderate to marked fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer can reliably be placed nonsurgically via the transvaginal approach into the fallopian tubes with use of a coaxial catheter system. Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer appears to result in less fibrosis than previously investigated agents and demonstrates a 100% early sterilization rate in the rabbit model.