Experimental nonsurgical transcervical sterilization with a custom-designed platinum microcoil

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Gynecology

Background:

• Nonsurgical methods for female sterilization are highly sought after to provide reversible or permanent contraception.
• Existing sterilization techniques often require invasive surgical procedures.
• Development of minimally invasive alternatives is crucial for improving access and reducing risks associated with female sterilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a custom-designed platinum microcoil with Dacron fibers for nonsurgical female sterilization.
• To evaluate the feasibility of transcervical placement of the microcoil in the utero-tubal junction.
• To assess the histopathological response to the implanted microcoil.

Main Methods:

• A platinum microcoil with Dacron fibers was unilaterally placed in the fallopian tube and uterine horn of 10 rabbits via transcervical selective tubal catheterization under fluoroscopic guidance.
• The contralateral reproductive tract served as a control.
• Pregnancy status was determined after breeding, confirmed at autopsy, and followed by histopathological evaluation.

Main Results:

• The microcoil was successfully retained in all 10 rabbits, with no migration observed.
• Pregnancy was prevented in the treated uterine horn and fallopian tube in 9 out of 10 rabbits.
• A mild inflammatory tissue response was noted around the microcoil, without significant adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• A platinum occlusion microcoil implanted in the utero-tubal location demonstrates significant potential as a method for nonsurgical female sterilization.
• The technique shows promise for a minimally invasive approach to permanent contraception.
• Further research is warranted to confirm safety and efficacy in larger studies.