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Computer-controlled bipolar endotubal sterilization is successful in a rabbit model
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA. bshurst@pop.uky.edu
Objective:
To determine the efficacy of a computer-controlled bipolar endotubal catheter system designed to accomplish safe, effective, and inexpensive female sterilization in preventing pregnancy in a rabbit model.
Design:
Prospective controlled study.
Setting:
University animal care facility.
Animal(S):
Sixty healthy virginal female New Zealand white rabbits.
Intervention(S):
Rabbits were assigned to the following groups: [1] endotubal radiofrequency minimal energy (95 degrees C) treatment; [2] endotubal radiofrequency maximal energy (105 degrees C) treatment; [3] endouterine radiofrequency (105 degrees C) treatment; [4] nonsurgical control; [5] laparotomy-only control; [6] endotubal radio-frequency sham control; and [7] external Kleppinger forceps bipolar cautery control. Rabbits were mated at 4 or 12 weeks after treatment.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Pregnancy outcomes in treated animals and nontreated controls.
Result(S):
No pregnancies were observed in any of the uterine horns in which minimal or maximal energy was delivered to the fallopian tubes or uterus, although pregnancy occurred in one horn as a result of the delivery of energy below the radiofrequency minimum of 95 degrees C. The outcomes of the treatment groups were significantly different from those of the nonsurgical and sham surgical control groups.
Conclusion(S):
With adequate tissue heating, 100% sterilization efficacy was achieved with a new, computer-controlled bipolar catheter, whereas pregnancies occurred in all untreated control groups. If human studies support these results, the goal of a safe, effective means of transcervical sterilization may be realized.