Comparing two embryo transfer catheters. Use of a trial transfer to determine the catheter applied

To analyze the performance of two different embryo transfer catheters (Wallace and Frydman) in an in vitro fertilization (IVF)-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) program.

Four hundred twenty-eight IVF or ICSI embryo transfer cycles were analyzed. A trial transfer was performed before the initiation of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation to determine the choice of embryo transfer catheter, Wallace or Frydman. Actual transfer was undertaken with the catheter chosen from the trial transfer.

During actual embryo transfer, 214 (93.5%) of the intended 229 Wallace transfers were successful, and in 15 transfers the Frydman catheter was used. Of the intended 199 Frydman transfers, all were successful. Clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate per embryo and ectopic pregnancy rate per transfer for the Wallace catheter were 41.6%, 16% and 0.9%, respectively. Respective rates for the Frydman catheter were 36.0%, 14.4% and 0.9% (P > .05 for all variables). Trial catheterization prevented most of the unanticipated procedural difficulties during the actual transfer.

Both Wallace and Frydman catheters performed similarly, although there was a slight but nonsignificant increase in clinical pregnancy rates with the Wallace catheter.