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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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。     

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。     

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.     

Renal Doppler ultrasound examination of ureteral obstruction in rabbits: effects of different sites and degrees of obstruction on renal resistive index

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the usefulness of Doppler resistive index (RI) in the diagnosis and follow-up of obstructive uropathy of different degrees and different sites of obstruction. METHODS: Forty-six rabbits were classified as follows: group I, partial unilateral obstruction of the proximal ureter (n = 16); group II, complete unilateral obstruction of the proximal ureter (n = 17); group III, complete unilateral obstruction of the distal ureter (n = 13). The RI of the obstructed and contralateral kidneys was measured preoperatively and postoperatively 1 hour, 6 hours, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks, respectively. In each group, the RI was analyzed for statistical differences in the preoperative versus postoperative kidneys, and the obstructed versus contralateral kidneys. We also analyzed the statistical differences in RIs of the obstructed kidneys, in interrenal RI differences (DeltaRI: RI of the obstructed kidney - RI of the contralateral kidney), and in RI ratio (RI of the obstructed kidney / RI of the contralateral kidney) between the 3 groups. RESULTS: The RIs in the obstructed versus contralateral kidneys were significantly increased (P < 0.05) postoperatively at 1 hour, 1 day, and 2 weeks in group I; 6 hours and 1 week in group II; and 1 hour, 6 hours, and 3 days in group III. In obstructed kidneys, the RIs in the postoperative versus preoperative kidneys were significantly increased (P < 0.05) from 1 hour to 2 weeks in group I and from 1 hour to 4 weeks in group II. There were no statistically significant differences in mean RI, DeltaRI, and RI ratio between the 3 groups during the preoperative and postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Doppler RI can be elevated in hydronephrotic kidney as a result of both partial and complete obstruction of the ureter. There are no RI differences among obstructed kidneys with different degree and different site of ureteral obstruction.     

US-guided fallopian tube catheterization

Ultrasound-guided fallopian tube catheterization was performed in seven women a total of 14 times. The women had normal-appearing fallopian tubes at hysterosalpingography and received sperm via the catheter as a way to overcome their inability to conceive. Techniques similar to those used for fluoroscopically guided fallopian tube catheterization were used. Forty-three percent of fallopian tubes were successfully catheterized.     

A radiological approach to infertility--hysterosalpingography.

The hysterosalpingograms of 98 patients with infertility were reviewed with reference to technical problems, radiological features of each pathology and accuracy of reporting. Findings were confirmed by review of the reports of laparotomy or laparoscopy on all patients. Of the total number of fallopian tubes investigated (196), 70 hydrosalpinges were correctly diagnosed from a total of 77. Agreement between HSG and operation was achieved in 123 of 127 fallopian tubes with peritubal adhesions, in all six of those with cornual spasm and in eight with cornual occlusion. In 16 of 20 fallopian tubes with partial distal occlusion, reporting was correct. With the potential accuracy of HSG diagnosis, we contend that it should be a preliminary procedure in every case, and in many may be the only investigation of tubal patency required prior to surgery or conservative management.     

Prevalence and distribution of adnexal findings suggesting endometriosis in patients with MR diagnosis of adenomyosis

The purpose of this investigation was to establish the prevalence and distribution of MR findings associated with pelvic endometriosis in patients with a MRI diagnosis of adenomyosis. Retrospective review of the pelvic MRI in 59 patients (age 32-54 years, mean 42 years) who met strict MRI criteria for adenomyosis was performed. T1 weighted fat saturated and T2 weighted images in these patients were reviewed for the presence or absence of T1 bright signal suggesting endometriosis in any of nine locations (uterine serosa, right and left ovary, right and left fallopian tube, right and left broad ligament, and right and left pelvic side wall). 20 (20/59) patients (34%), showed characteristic MRI features associated with endometriosis. A total of 54 sites of involvement were identified (uterine serosa n = 17, ovaries n = 14, broad ligaments n = 10, fallopian tubes n = 8, pelvic side walls n = 5) in 20 patients with an average of 2.7 sites per patient. Implants (n = 43) were more common than endometriomas (n = 11). Endometriomas occurred most often in the ovaries (ovaries n = 9, broad ligament n = 2) whereas implants were seen on all locations (uterine serosa n = 17, ovaries n = 5, broad ligaments n = 8, fallopian tubes n = 8, pelvic side walls n = 5). One third of patients with adenomyosis diagnosed by MRI also had MRI findings of endometriosis, with serosal implants being the most common finding. Imaging protocols should routinely include T1 weighted fat saturated imaging sequences in order to detect coexistent endometriosis in patents undergoing pelvic MRI for the diagnosis of adenomyosis.     

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.     

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.     

Radiofrequency ablation of the liver in a rabbit model: creation of artificial ascites to minimize collateral thermal injury to the diaphragm and stomach

PURPOSE: To assess whether the creation of artificial ascites during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the subcapsular portion of the liver can minimize collateral thermal injury to the diaphragm and stomach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 percutaneous RF ablation procedures were performed in the livers of 10 rabbits (control, n = 5; experimental, n = 5) with use of an internally cooled electrode (1-cm active tip). In the experimental group, artificial ascites was established before RF ablation by dripping 320 mL of normal saline solution via a 20-gauge sheathed needle to separate the liver from the diaphragm and stomach. In each rabbit, two subcapsular ablation zones were made in the inferior tip of the left lobe of the liver adjacent to the stomach and in the far dome of the right lobe next to the diaphragm consecutively. After the animals were killed 3 days after the procedure, the frequency, size, and degree of thermal injury were compared between the experimental and control groups. The degree of thermal injury was graded by visual inspection according to a four-point scoring system. Representative cases underwent gross and histologic analysis. RESULTS: Artificial ascites was achieved successfully with a single puncture in all rabbits in the experimental group. Mean procedure time for the formation of artificial ascites was 9 minutes. There was no difference in the size of the RF ablation zones in the liver between the two groups (P > .05). Thermal injury in the adjacent organs was observed significantly more frequently in the control group compared with the experimental group (diaphragm, 100% vs 0; stomach, 80% vs 20%; P < .05). CONCLUSION: Creation of artificial ascites may be a simple and useful technique that can be used to reduce the frequency and severity of thermal injury during RF ablation of subcapsular hepatic tumors.     

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.     

子宫显著屈曲患者的输卵管再通术

目的：探讨利用自制装置对子宫显著屈曲合并输卵管梗阻的不孕患者进行输卵管再通术的插管方法并分析其疗效。方法：经子宫输卵管造影证实子宫显著屈曲伴单侧或双侧输卵管阻塞患者48例,共66争输卵管阻塞,应用自制装置,配合使用各种手术器械,施行选择性输卵管造影及再通术。采用复通率及妊娠率（随访2年）评价输卵管再通术的治疗效果,并将其与子宫位置正常患者进行比较。结果：48例患者均插管成功,施行再通术后,有56条输卵管复通,复通率为84．8％,随访2年后9例妊娠,妊娠率18．8％,妊娠率低于子宫位置正常患者,而复通率与子宫位置正常患者相近。结论：使用自制装置能够较方便完成显著屈曲子宫的输卵管再通术,各种手术器械的配合使用有利于成功插管。     

Lung radiofrequency ablation with and without bronchial occlusion: experimental study in porcine lungs

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to compare the thermal lesion volumes in normal pig lungs when radiofrequency (RF) ablation is performed with and without airway occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RF ablation was performed in six pigs. A straight 17-gauge internally cooled-tip electrode with a 2-cm exposed tip was inserted into the center of the lower lobe of the lung under biplane fluoroscopic guidance. In each animal, RF ablation was performed for 12 minutes with balloon occlusion of the main bronchus in one lung and without balloon occlusion in the contralateral lung. The tissue temperature around the electrode tip was measured immediately after RF application. The volumes of the thermal lesions were compared by histologic examination of the groups of lungs ablated with and without airway occlusion. RESULTS: Tissue temperature was significantly higher in the bronchial occlusion group than in the group with normal ventilation (51 degrees C +/- 7 vs. 44 degrees C +/- 2; P < .05). RF ablation with bronchial occlusion resulted in the creation of a significantly greater thermal lesion volume compared with RF ablation with normal ventilation (6,535 mm(3) +/- 1,114 vs 3,368 mm(3) +/- 676; P < .03). CONCLUSION: Prevention of ventilation in the normal swine lung via bronchial balloon occlusion during RF ablation increases the thermal ablation lesion volume, suggesting that active ventilation is a significant cause of in vivo heat loss.     

输卵管再通术与导管留置治疗输卵管阻塞的初步研究

目的：为研究输卵管阻塞性不孕症，采用再通术后留置导管法，观察其治疗效果。方法：选观察组１０例，输卵管２０支；对照组１８例，输卵管３６支，选择性输卵管再通术和药物通液后，观察组留置导管４８ｈ，对照组仅用导管通液，所有病例６个月后复查。结果：再粘连率对照组２３．８％，观察组８．３％。结论：输卵管再通术与导管留置可有效治疗输卵管阻塞，防止再粘连。