Influence of embryo transfer distance on pregnancy rate in ICSI cycles

ABSTRACT

To investigate the influence of transfer distance to the fundus on pregnancy rate. Retrospective single center study, including 674 consecutive cycles of ICSI done at Adam International Clinic between January 2005 and December 2005. All patients were included and data examined regarding; their age, endometrial thickness at day of HCG, endometrial pattern at day of HCG, number and quality of embryos transferred, difficulty of embryo transfer as reported by the transferor, transfer distance to the fundus as measured by trans abdominal ultrasound and if the ejection of the media inside the inner sheath of the transfer catheter was seen or not. Our data indicate that the actual distance to the fundus did not affect the pregnancy rate. Our data proves that the exact position of embryo deposition from the fundus does not influence pregnancy rate, however the use of trans-abdominal ultrasound can be of help in visualizing the catheter in the more difficult transfer and air bubbles can be documented, also ultrasound guidance adds to the confidence in the procedure by both the physician and the patient