Fallopian tubes: improved technique for catheterization

Radiology. 1990 Feb;174(2):572-3. doi: 10.1148/radiology.174.2.2296671.

Abstract

Successful fallopian tube catheterization for diagnosis or treatment of infertility combines hysterosalpingographic and angiographic techniques. An improvement in the catheterization strategy was developed so that angled, tortuous, or more distally obstructed fallopian tubes could be catheterized. In 22 patients, 38 fallopian tubes were catheterized by using this strategy. In nine tubes (24%), forceful ostial injection alone of contrast material was able to open and/or depict the fallopian tube. In 13 tubes (34%), a discrete obstruction was recanalized by using the standard fallopian tube catheterization set. In 12 tubes (32%), successful recanalization required the use of a softer, tapered guide wire and catheter. In four tubes (10%), recanalization was unsuccessful.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization / instrumentation*
  • Catheterization / methods
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Fallopian Tube Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Fallopian Tube Diseases / therapy*
  • Fallopian Tubes
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterosalpingography / instrumentation*
  • Hysterosalpingography / methods

Substances

  • Contrast Media