Introduction of a New Coaxial Falloposcopy System

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Background:

• Traditional methods for visualizing the fallopian tube lumen are limited.
• Existing falloposcopy systems suffer from bulky equipment and poor image quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel coaxial falloposcopy system for transcervical visualization of the fallopian tube lumen.
• To assess the diagnostic accuracy and effectiveness of this new system in patients with tubal obstruction or unexplained infertility.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new falloposcopy system featuring a small articulating hysteroscope, UTO stabilizing device, and a 0.4-mm fiberoptic falloscope.
• Application of the system in 23 women diagnosed with proximal or distal tubal obstruction or unexplained infertility.
• Comparison of falloscopic findings with prior hysterosalpingogram or laparoscopy results.

Main Results:

• Successful cannulation of 83.3% (31/37) of fallopian tubes.
• Identified 14 patent and normal tubes among 23 with presumed proximal tubal obstruction.
• Detected pathology in 2 of 7 tubes in the unexplained infertility group.
• Reported a 61% false positive and 29% false negative rate for presumed proximal tubal obstruction.

Conclusions:

• Coaxial falloposcopy is an effective method for assessing the fallopian tubal lumen.
• The developed system offers improved visualization and diagnostic potential.
• This technique warrants consideration for routine infertility evaluations.