Embryology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Embryology, including details on stem cells, reproduction, transplants, cloning.

The impact of the depth of embryo replacement on IVF outcome.

Pacchiarotti A, Mohamed MA, Micara G, Tranquilli D, Linari A, Espinola SM, Aragona C

Dipartimento di Scienze Ginecologiche, Perinatologia e Puericultura Policlinico Umberto I Università di Roma, La Sapienza Viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy. arypac@aliceposta.it

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the depth of embryo transfer replacement on clinical pregnancy rate. METHODS: Data from a total of 104 consecutive embryo transfers performed on 104 women aged 26-37 years were prospectively collected for this study. All patients underwent a standard down regulation protocol for ovarian stimulation. Oocytes retrieval were performed at 36 h after hCG administration. Embryo transfer took place at 48 h after insemination. The patients were matched in two groups according to the distance between the tip of the catheter and the uterine fundus at transfer (group A > 10 < 15 mm and group B < or = 10 mm). The same method of loading embryos into the embryo transfer catheter was used. RESULTS: Clinical pregnancy rates varied significantly (p < or = 0.05) between the two groups: 27.7% in group A and 14% in group B. The number and quality of embryos transferred did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the depth of embryo replacement may be an important variable in embryo transfer technique.

Published 26 April 2007 in J Assist Reprod Genet, 24(5): 189-93.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Embryology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.