Case Reports in Women's Health (Jul 2017)

Intracavitary deposits on Essure® hysteroscopic sterilization devices: A case report

  • L.W. Maassen,
  • D.M. van Gastel,
  • E.G.W.M. Lentjes,
  • M.Y. Bongers,
  • S. Veersema

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crwh.2017.06.003
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. C
pp. 3 – 5

Abstract

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Objective: To study the composition of intracavitary deposits on Essure® hysteroscopic sterilization devices. Design: Case report. Setting: Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology department of a University Hospital. Patient(s): A 39 years old patient presenting with a request for surgical removal of Essure® sterilization devices. Diagnostic hysteroscopy showed a crystal like white deposit attached to one of the devices. Intervention: Diagnostic hysteroscopy and surgical removal of Essure® devices was performed. The deposits were collected and infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed. Main Outcome Measure: Chemical composition of the deposits attached to the device. Result(s): Infrared spectroscopy of the material showed patterns conclusive with calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3). Conclusion: Until now, it is not clear if there is a relationship between reported complaints and formation of calcite deposits on Essure®. Capsule: Infrared spectroscopy of deposits on Essure® devices showed a pattern conclusive with calcite. The relationship between reported complaints and the formation of calcite deposits on Essure® remains unclear.

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