Comparison of pregnancy rates for two embryo-transfer catheters

ObjectiveTo compare two flexible catheters and determine whether pregnancy rates (PRs) differed.DesignProspective, randomized pilot study.SettingTertiary-care infertility practice.Patient(s)The subjects for this study were 100 women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles between September 2003 and October 2005.Intervention(s)None.Main Outcome MeasureClinical PR for Edwards-Wallace (Cooper Surgical, Shelton, CT) and Cook World (Cook Urological, Spencer, IN) embryo-transfer (ET) catheters.Result(s)The outcomes of pregnancy between the Edwards-Wallace and Cook World ET catheters were not significantly different. Use of the flare stimulation protocol resulted in a significantly lower PR compared to long luteal and antagonist protocols. No other variable affected PR.Conclusion(s)A 5% difference in PR was demonstrated between ET catheters; however, this study does not have the power to detect a significant difference in clinical PR between the two catheter groups. The pilot study demonstrates good design due to the lack of significant differences between the variables when stratifed by cather as well as pregnancy status. In a larger study, the flare protocol should be excluded.