The Influence of Embryo Transfer Catheter on the Outcome of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer / 대한산부인과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of two different embryo transfer catheters, Norfolk and Wallace, in terms of the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo trabsfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: One hundred and seventy-one IVF-ET cycles performed in 132 infertile couples were included in this retrospective study. The couples were subjected to two different embryo transfer catheter types Norfolk catheter group (92 cycles) and Wallace catheter group (79 cycles). Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) was performed using step-down protocol with GnRH agonist or antagonist. Four or less embryos were transferred on day 2 or 3 after oocyte retrieval. The luteal phase was supported by intramuscular progesterone (Progest) or intravaginal 8% progesterone gel (Crinone). RESULTS: The pregnancy rate per ET and the implantation rate were significantly higher in Wallace catheter group, respectively (20.7% vs. 34.2%, p=0.047; 9.7% vs. 15.1%, p=0.047). No statistically significant differences were observed in the other parameters between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The Wallace catheter showed better IVF-ET outcomes when compared with the Norfolk catheter in our study. Further prospective randomized controlled studies in a larger scale will be necessary to confirm our findings.