Microstent for minimally invasive treatment of Fallopian tube occlusions – porcine implantation ex vivo

Abstract

Involuntary female infertility represents a sensitive issue, which is frequently caused by an impaired patency of the Fallopian tube. Current treatment options, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or tubal reconstruction, are related to high costs or surgical risks. Therefore, a need for an alternative highly safe and effective minimally invasive therapy option is assumed. The current work presents a proof-of-concept for a novel microstent in combination with a delivery system for treatment of proximal Fallopian tube occlusions. For this purpose, a microstent prototype was implanted into a porcine Fallopian tube ex vivo using the presented delivery system. The results of the procedure were analyzed using a micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). Based on the μ-CT imaging, critical parameters of the microstent, such as radial patency, were assessed. The microstent implantation leads to an increased opening area of the Fallopian tube. Additionally, the microstent does not impair the anatomical shape of the tube epithelium and adapts well to the anatomical path. In further studies, the functionality of the Fallopian tube will be examined after microstent implantation in vivo.

Keywords

• biodegradable microstent
• fallopian tube occlusion
• enabling pregnancy
• fertility treatment