Objective: To compare two flexible embryo catheters and determine whether clinical outcome differs in the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles.
Methods: This prospective control study was conducted by one doctor between July 2012 and November 2013. In the study, 2 064 patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer by using IVF-ET/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-ET in Reproductive Medical Center of Peking University Third Hospital were recruited. The subjects were divided into two groups. Cook Sydney IVF embryo transfer catheters (product model: K-JETS-7019-SIVF) were used for embryo transfer in group 1 (n=949), and Frydman-CCD catheters (product model: 131230301) were used in group 2 (n=1 115). Pregnancy outcomes were compared between these two groups.
Results: There was no significant difference in age, diagnosis for infertility and stimulation protocol used between the two groups. In addition, there was no difference in the number of oocytes collected and in the number and score of embryos transferred. The significantly higher implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate (34.40% vs. 26.92%, 51.21% vs. 41.52%, 42.57% vs. 33.09%, P<0.05) were observed in group 1 compared with group 2. The abortion rate was not significantly different between the two groups (11.93% vs. 15.98%, P>0.05). The proportion of difficult transfer was higher in group 1 than that in group 2 (5.27% vs. 3.41%, P<0.05). There was no difference in the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate between the two difficult transfer cycles.
Conclusion: The type of embryo transfer catheter affects the clinical outcome in IVF. Good clinical outcome can be obtained by using Cook Sydney IVF catheter, which is worthy of clinical promotion.