Transvaginal fallopian tube catheterization in an animal model

A rabbit model for testing the safety and effectiveness of diagnostic and interventional techniques of fallopian tube catheterization is presented. Hysterography with injection into the terminal portion of the uterine horn visualized the fallopian tube in only 6% of cases; however, this increased from 33% to 50% by pretreatment with progesterone, administration of glucagon or phentolamine, or increased pressure of injection with balloon obstruction of the uterine horn. Salpingography with a catheter introduced in the tubal ostium or directly inside the tube was most effective and resulted in a consistent (100%) visualization of the fallopian tube. The technique also allowed coaxial introduction of small diameter guidewires and catheters deep into the fallopian tube.