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was advanced to the distal fallopian tube, and nBCA/ethiodized oil was administered as the microcatheter was withdrawn to fill the length of the tube.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.     

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.     

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.     

Fallopian tubes: improved technique for catheterization

Successful fallopian tube catheterization for diagnosis or treatment of infertility combines hysterosalpingographic and angiographic techniques. An improvement in the catheterization strategy was developed so that angled, tortuous, or more distally obstructed fallopian tubes could be catheterized. In 22 patients, 38 fallopian tubes were catheterized by using this strategy. In nine tubes (24%), forceful ostial injection alone of contrast material was able to open and/or depict the fallopian tube. In 13 tubes (34%), a discrete obstruction was recanalized by using the standard fallopian tube catheterization set. In 12 tubes (32%), successful recanalization required the use of a softer, tapered guide wire and catheter. In four tubes (10%), recanalization was unsuccessful.     

Effects of contrast agents on the fallopian tube in a rabbit model

The authors evaluated the effect of different iodinated contrast agents on the fallopian tube and adnexal tissue in 15 rabbits. Ethiodized oil, an oil-soluble agent, was used in five rabbits. The following water-soluble agents were used: iothalamate meglumine 30% (n = 3), iothalamate meglumine 60% (n = 3), and ioxilan (n = 4). The agents were injected through catheters placed in the fallopian tubes. Fallopian tubes and peritoneal cavities were histologically evaluated. The contralateral tube served as a control. Ioxilan and iothalamate meglumine 30% produced no pathologic response in the tube or peritoneal cavity. Iothalamate meglumine 60% was associated with mild inflammatory infiltrate, mucosal edema, giant cell reaction, and periovarian adhesions that were bilateral but more pronounced on the injected side. Use of ethiodized oil resulted in papillary fibrous adhesions on the ovarian surface, and fat granulomas were seen in the periovarian tissues. The safety of oil-based contrast agents for use in hysterosalpingography is therefore questioned. No significant differences were found among the water-soluble contrast agents.     

新型可复性输卵管避孕栓避孕效果实验研究

 目的 观察输卵管避孕栓的避孕效果和安全性.方法 采用成年新西兰兔20只,随机分为3组(实验组10只、自身对照组5只和空白对照组5只).经腹暴露子宫后,于子宫角处切开将输卵管避孕栓放置入输卵管内.术后1个月开始与雄兔合笼,每周交配2～3次,观察避孕效果.结果 栓子放置术后3个月内,实验组10只雌兔均未见妊娠,自身对照组5只雌兔有1例妊娠,空白对照组5只雌兔均已妊娠.有2只栓子有移位,但无掉出输卵管.实验组、自身对照组和空白对照组,经统计学分析差异有显著性(P＜0.01).结论 可复性输卵管避孕栓是一种新型、有效、安全的输卵管避孕装置.     

应用改良装置治疗输卵管阻塞(附800例分析)

目的 评价用一种改良装置对单侧或双侧输卵管阻塞的再通效果。方法 于1995年11月至2002年10月我院放射科对800例年龄为24～42岁不孕妇女经造影证实为单侧性或双侧性阻塞的1489条输卵管应用美国Cook公司产改良装置实施了介入再通术治疗。该技术操作是在X线监视下经宫腔将导管选送至输卵管开口端而进行选择性输卵管造影与输卵管再通术。结果 确诊有阻塞的1489条输卵管，经再通术治疗后，有1137条输卵管得以复通，复通率为76．4％，导管一次性插管成功率为98．8％。结论 用于输卵管再通术的改良装置兼具多方面优点，诸如操作灵活，疗效显，经济实用，因而值得推广。     

Proximal fallopian tube occlusion: diagnosis and treatment with transcervical fallopian tube catheterization

Transcervical fallopian tube catheterization (TFTC) was performed in 22 infertile patients with bilateral fallopian tube obstruction and a mean duration of infertility of 3.3 years. A high prevalence of previous ectopic pregnancy (n = 8, 36%), tubal ligation and/or reconstruction (n = 5, 23%), spontaneous or therapeutic abortion (n = 6, 27%), and previous intrauterine device use (n = 14, 64%) was noted. The authors successfully catheterized 40 (98%) of 41 tubes without serious complication and visualized the distal tube in 36 (88%) of 41 tubes. Free spill in at least one tube was seen in 17 (77%) of 22 patients. Nineteen patients had a history of previous laparoscopy or laparotomy for tubal disease, in 16 of whom laparoscopic results were available for review. Retrospectively, in 15 (94%) of 16 patients all clinically relevant abnormalities would have been detected by means of TFTC alone. Five patients conceived, three with intrauterine and two with ectopic pregnancies. Patients with intrauterine pregnancies had normal-appearing tubes after TFTC, while those with ectopic pregnancies had residual tubal abnormalities after recanalization. TFTC is a safe, accurate diagnostic procedure that provides more information than hysterosalpingography and, in most cases, as much or more information about the fallopian tubes than laparoscopy.     

介入再通联合臭氧治疗阻塞性输卵管炎的实验研究

目的观察介入再通联合医用臭氧治疗慢性阻塞性输卵管炎的疗效,为临床应用提供实验依据。方法采用经子宫输卵管插管介入途径建立炎性阻塞动物模型。将新西兰大白兔分为30μg/ml臭氧治疗组(A组)、40μg/ml臭氧治疗组(B组)、常规介入治疗组(C组)及模型对照组(D组),每组10只,同时取正常兔10只作为空白对照组(E组)。在常规介入治疗后,A组和B组再经导管分别注入30μg/ml及40μg/ml臭氧各10 ml;D组和E组给予等量生理盐水。术后4周观察各组兔输卵管病理形态学改变。结果 A、B、C、D组介入术中输卵管再通技术成功率分别为88.9%、85.0%、88.9%和81.3%。与D组比较,A、B、C组输卵管炎症改善显著,组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),A、B组与C组比较,疗效差异亦有统计学意义(P<0.05),但A组与B组间疗效差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 30和40μg/ml臭氧均可不同程度改善输卵管慢性阻塞性炎症,值得在临床进一步推广使用。     

The square stent-based large vessel occluder: an experimental pilot study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is in vitro and in vivo experimental evaluation of a square stent-based vascular occlusion device for large vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Square stent-based large vessel occluders (LVO) 5 mm-50 mm in size were constructed from stainless-steel square stents covered by porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS). The LVOs with two back-side barbs were delivered through a guiding catheter. The LVOs with two back-side barbs and two frontal barbs were front-loaded and delivered coaxially. A pusher with a retention mechanism at its end was used for deployment. In vitro testing for competency was performed with use of a flow model with pressure increases. In an experimental pilot study in seven pigs and five dogs, 16 LVOs were placed into the aorta (n = 4), common iliac artery (n = 2), pulmonary artery (n = 4), and medial sacral artery (n = 6). Four animals received two LVOs in different locations. Angiography was performed before and after placement of each LVO. Animals were followed for as long as 3 months with use of angiography and were then killed for gross and histologic evaluation. RESULTS: In vitro LVOs with two and four barbs were easily collapsed and pushed through or front-loaded into guiding catheters (6-F for a 5-mm occluder, 10-F for a 50-mm occluder). A 20-mm LVO adapted to tubular structures 10-15 mm in diameter, forming polygons 17-18.5 mm in length. In the flow model, LVOs endured pressure increases to 300 mm Hg. In vivo, the LVOs self-expanded and adapted to the vessel without migration in all cases. The locking pusher allowed precise LVO placement and engagement of its barbs into the vessel wall before complete deployment, preventing dislodgment by blood flow. Complete arterial occlusion occurred within 10-20 minutes and arteries remained occluded until the animal was killed in all cases. After 2 months, histologic evaluation revealed replacement of SIS by host tissue and its remodeling with variable fibrocytes, fibroblasts, and some inflammatory cells. Complete endothelialization was seen on both sides of the LVO. CONCLUSION: The SIS LVO is effective and reliable for acute and chronic occlusion in a high flow model in an experimental animal.     

Selective injection of contrast media: inflammatory effects on rabbit fallopian tubes.

The inflammatory effects of fallopian tube catheterization and selective injection of seven contrast agents (ethiodized oil, diatrizoate meglumine 52%, diatrizoate meglumine 66%, iothalamate meglumine 60%, iopamidol, ioxitol, and ioxaglate) were evaluated in 88 rabbits. The contrast agent used was randomly selected and selectively injected after unilateral catheterization; the contralateral side was used for control. Pathologic inspection of right and left uteri with attached fallopian tubes and ovaries was done without knowledge of side of catheterization or duration of time since catheterization. The degree and location of inflammation were noted. Inflammation disappeared by 4 days in five of seven contrast agents. Iothalamate meglumine 60% and iopamidol required 2 weeks for disappearance of inflammation. Essentially no inflammation was associated at any time with ioxaglate. These findings suggest that all of these contrast agents would be clinically acceptable for direct injection into the human fallopian tube.     

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.     

输卵管再通术联合腹腔镜治疗输卵管性不孕症

目的:探讨梗阻输卵管治疗的有效途径及复通输卵管受孕的影响因素.方法:输卵管造影确诊的近段梗阻患者306例,利用输卵管再通装置先行输卵管再通术(FTR),对输卵管近段再通后显示远段积水粘连的68例,再施行腹腔镜伞端造口术.结果:306例近段输卵管梗阻经FTR治疗,除7例再通失败外,完全再通231例;近段再通后显示远段积水的68例接受腹腔镜伞端造口术.术后1～2个月造影复查输卵管通畅率为92.26%(465/504);追踪随访48个月受孕率为36.93%(113/306).结论:FTR联合腹腔镜治疗输卵管梗阻性不孕症疗效显著,两者通过优势互补有效地提高了输卵管的再通成功率,但经腹腔镜造口术复通的患者受孕率较低.     

通用介入器械治疗输卵管阻塞的临床应用

目的:探讨使用通用介入器械治疗输卵管阻塞的临床价值。方法:使用5F单弯导管、血管鞘、超滑导丝等简易器械介入治疗输卵管阻塞38例共71条阻塞的输卵管。结果:阻塞的输卵管71条中,再通67条,再通率94.36％(67/71)。29例1次治疗后再通,9例2-3次治疗后再通。全部病例随访2年,24例妊娠,总妊娠率63.15％(24/38)。结论:通用介入器械介入治疗输卵管阻塞安全、有效、操作简单、费用低,效果理想。     

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。     

液体加压冲击法联合导丝技术介入治疗输卵管阻塞性不孕症的临床研究(附36例报告)

目的:探讨液体加压冲击法联合导丝技术介入治疗输卵管阻塞性不孕的价值.方法:在DSA引导下利用液体加压冲击法以及导丝技术对36例(54条输卵管)输卵管阻塞性不孕症患者进行输卵管再通治疗,记录输卵管再通率、患者的不良反应等.结果:采用液体加压冲击法达到复通的输卵管共29条,采用液体加压冲击法及导丝技术达到复通的输卵管为24条.液体加压冲击法联合导丝技术介入治疗输卵管阻塞再通成功率可达100%.结论:液体加压冲击法联合导丝技术治疗输卵管阻塞,在DSA直视下完成操作,准确性和成功率高,疗效确切,是一种可行的手术方式.     

Percutaneous Vein Occlusion with Small Intestinal Submucosa: An Experimental Pilot Study in Swine and Sheep

Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility, outcomes, and amount of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) material needed for embolization of jugular vein (JV) in a swine and sheep model. Our hypothesis was that SIS would cause vein occlusion. Materials and Methods The external JVs (EJV) in swine (n = 6) and JVs in sheep (n = 6) were occluded with SIS fan-folded compressed strips. After percutaneous puncture of the peripheral portion of the EJV or JV, a TIPS set was used to exit their lumen centrally through the skin. The SIS strips were delivered into the isolated venous segment with a pull-through technique via a 10-Fr sheath. Follow-up venograms were done immediately after placement and at the time of sacrifice at 1 or 3 months. Gross examinations focused on the EJV or JV and their surrounding structures. Specimens were evaluated by histology. Results SIS strip(s) placement was successful in all cases, with immediate vein occlusion seen in 23 of 24 veins (95.8%). All EJVs treated with two strips and all JVs treated with three or four strips remained closed on 1- and 3-month follow-up venograms. Two EJVs treated with one strip and one JV treated with two strips were partially patent on venograms at 1 and 3 months. There has been one skin inflammatory reaction. Necropsies revealed excluded EJV or JV segments with SIS incorporation into the vein wall. Histology demonstrated various stages of SIS remodeling with fibrocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, capillaries, and inflammatory cells. Conclusion We conclude that EJV and JV ablation with SIS strips using percutaneous exit catheterization is feasible and effective in animal models. Further exploration of SIS as vein ablation material is recommended.     

平阳霉素碘油乳剂栓塞肺减容术的初步研究

目的探讨平阳霉素碘油乳剂栓塞结合近端支气管骨水泥封堵肺减容术的可行性及安全性。方法①平阳霉素碘油乳剂组12只成年兔经气管选择性插管至段支气管后,经导管向肺段(靶区)内注入平阳霉素碘油乳剂(分3个亚组,每组4只,平阳霉素用量分别为4、8和16mg加入1ml碘油中);②碘油对照组2只兔用同样方法向靶区内注入单纯碘油,碘油用量为1ml。两组于药物栓塞后,均用骨水泥(0.5ml)对近端支气管封堵。术后3d、1、2、4周行影像随访,并按预定时间取全肺作病理检查。结果碘油组与平阳霉素碘油乳剂各亚组表现相似,栓塞肺段明显膨胀不全,胸片及CT示靶区充有碘油并逐渐缩小。病理检查显示早期靶区呈急性渗出性炎症改变;4周后各组靶区均形成轻度纤维化,其周围见平行排列的萎陷肺泡,间质内以嗜酸粒细胞及淋巴细胞浸润为主伴大量肺巨噬细胞聚集,部分靶区出现小灶性坏死或化学性小脓肿(6/14,或43%)。靶区胸膜面光整,胸腔无渗液、脏壁层胸膜间无粘连。非靶区未发生明显的肺炎。结论经导管支气管平阳霉素碘油乳剂栓塞加骨水泥封堵及单纯碘油栓塞加骨水泥封堵皆是安全的,可引起稳定的肺减容。单纯碘油与平阳霉素碘油乳剂两组的肺纤维化程度未见显著差异,可能与样本较小和观察时间较短有关。     

Fallopian tube recanalization with a catheter system--experience in the use of a balloon catheter

Fallopian tube obstruction is one of the most difficult problems in the treatment of infertility. This report gives the results of a pilot study on the transcervical recanalization of the occlusive fallopian tube. Selective catheterization of the uterine cornu was applied through a balloon catheter, which was wedged at the internal uterine os. In 16 occlusive fallopian tubes of 11 cases, the catheterization procedure was attempted and accomplished with a 87.5% success rate. Recanalization was successful in 75.0% of the affected tubes. Subsequent pregnancy was confirmed in three cases. This convenient technique is safe and effective and it will be accepted as the first choice in the diagnosis and treatment of fallopian tube obstruction.     

Healing response in elastase-induced rabbit aneurysms after embolization with a new platinum coil system

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Elastase-induced rabbit aneurysms offer promise in preclinical testing, but their radiographic and histologic features after dense packing with platinum coils are unknown. We evaluated these features by using a new platinum coil system. METHODS: Right common carotid arterial (CCA) aneurysms were created in 17 rabbits by distal ligation and intraluminal elastase incubation. At least 3 weeks later, aneurysms were packed with detachable platinum coils. Animals were sacrificed at 2 (group 1, n=4), 4 (group 2, n=5), 12 (group 3, n=4), or 24 (group 4, n=4) weeks. Aneurysmal occlusion and coil compaction were angiographically assessed. Histologic features of tissue covering the coils and the aneurysmal dome were assessed and semiquantitatively compared across groups. RESULTS: No notable tracking, deployment, or detachment problems occurred. Volumetric occlusion was 5-49% (mean, 26.8% +/- 11%). Angiographic occlusion was 100% in six cases, 95% in four, and 90% in seven; occlusion scores remained unchanged in 13 cases, decreased in one, and increased in two (one case excluded from angiographic follow-up). Histologic findings were concordant within groups. Group 1 had coverage with thin fibrin layers and scattered leukocytes; group 2, some spindle-cell coverage; group 3, spindle-cell coverage. In groups 1 and 2, dome findings included only unorganized blood products. In group 3, blood products had been replaced with a hypocellular, poorly staining matrix. Some group 4 subjects had variably aged blood products, with tissue of limited organization. CONCLUSION: The platinum coil system performed well in experimental aneurysmal embolization. Densely packed rabbit aneurysms demonstrate reproducible histologic evolution: early fibrin coverage, delayed spindle-cell coverage, delayed intraaneurysmal thrombus resorption, and occasional coil compaction.