Hysteroscopic tubal occlusion with silicone rubber

A new method of sterilization for women is being investigated in several outpatient centers. The technique involves flowing liquid silicone rubber into the fallopian tubes. The silicone cures in place and forms a rubbery solid plug. The catalyzed liquid silicone is pumped through a special polysulfone guide assembly that fits through the operating channel of a standard hysteroscope. On the end of the guide is a hollow premolded silicone rubber tip that fits into the cornual ostium of the tube. When the silicone cures it also cross-links to this tip so that the tip becomes part of the plug. Results as of April 1, 1982, from 350 women in the Philadelphia center suggest that proper plug formation prevents pregnancy and that the method can be applied to about 85% of properly selected women.