Ultrasound Guided Transfer:
Traditionally when IVF is performed for a couple the embryos transferred back into the uterus are done using a catheter. Physicians would typically perform this procedure (embryo transfer or ET) by feel. Essentially the physician would estimate how far to place the catheter into the uterus and deposit the embryos where he felt the embryos should be placed.
With today’s excellent Ultrasound technology we perform all our transfers using the ultrasound as our guide. Now we can visualize the catheter and even visualize the droplet of fluid that the embryos are in. In short we can “see” the best place to deposit the embryos. Not only does it ensure proper placement but it also minimizes the likelihood of the catheter touching the sides of the uterus or the top of the uterus (the fundus). By visualizing the path the catheter is taking the procedure becomes less traumatizing to the uterus and thereby increasing implantation and pregnancy rates.
For patients with congenital anomalies of the uterus or patients with a known history of difficult embryo transfers we can even visualize the uterus in 3D to again better visualize the appropriate placement.
Studies have shown that utilizing this method will increase pregnancy rates when compared to the traditional “blind” method.
