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Published on: May 11, 2011
Use of n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate for Fallopian Tube Embolization via Selective Catheterization in a Rabbit Model:
Jessica K Stewart1, Diego A Hipolito Canario2, Gabrielle Daso1
1Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California.
Purpose:
To 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 Methods:
In 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was advanced to the distal fallopian tube, and nBCA/ethiodized oil was administered as the microcatheter was withdrawn to fill the length of the tube.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).
Results:
Fallopian 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.
Conclusions:
This 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.
