Occlusion of the fallopian tube by selective transcatheter radiofrequency electrocoagulation: An experimental study in rabbits

PURPOSE: To test the feasibility of performing transcervical fallopian tube occlusion in a rabbit model with use of unipolar radiofrequency (RF) electrocoagulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under fluoroscopic guidance, transvaginal catheterization of the right or left fallopian tube was first performed with use of a coaxial technique in 20 rabbits. With a metal guide wire protruding from the catheter serving as the active electrode, RF electrocoagulation was performed. The power output was set to 200 W and the current was applied for 20 seconds. The fallopian tube on the contralateral side and the uterus were used as controls. Rabbits were randomly designated to be killed either 2 days (group I, n = 10) or 30 days (group II, n = 10) after the procedure, and tubal patency and histologic changes were evaluated. RESULTS: In group I, significant necrosis of the endosalpinx caused by RF electrocoagulation was found in all 10 rabbits. In group II, the occluded fallopian tube showed fibrosis of the wall in all 10 rabbits, but there was no tissue damage to adjacent organs. Histologic findings in the contralateral fallopian tubes were normal in all 20 rabbits. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter RF electrocoagulation proved to be a safe nonsurgical alternative for occlusion of the fallopian tubes in rabbits.