Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ultrasound for Embryo Transfer

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Managing Ultrasonography in Human Reproduction

  • 765 Accesses

Abstract

Embryo transfer (ET) is the final procedure during assisted reproductive treatments (ART). Despite all the efforts on improving ART results, ET has changed little overtime [1]. Although embryo implantation is still not fully understood, some evidences suggest the impact of ET technique on the implantation process [2], impacting the reproductive outcomes [1, 3]. Several factors have recently been associated with better results of ET procedure: the ease of transfer [1], physician’s experience [4], type of catheter, and the use of ultrasound (US) guidance [3]. Moreover, even though ET is an important process, its technique is rarely described in clinical trials [5], reducing the possibility of standardization and compromising the reproducibility of studies.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Phillips JA, Martins WP, Nastri CO, Raine-Fenning NJ. Difficult embryo transfers or blood on catheter and assisted reproductive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2013;168:121–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Levi Setti PE, Albani E, Cavagna M, Bulletti C, Colombo GV, Negri L. The impact of embryo transfer on implantation – a review. Placenta. 2003;24(Suppl B):S20–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Teixeira DM, Dassuncao LA, Vieira CV, Barbosa MA, Coelho Neto MA, Nastri CO, Martins WP. Ultrasound guidance during embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2015;45:139–48.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Yao Z, Vansteelandt S, Van der Elst J, Coetsier T, Dhont M, De Sutter P. The efficacy of the embryo transfer catheter in IVF and ICSI is operator-dependent: a randomized clinical trial. Hum Reprod. 2009;24:880–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Gambadauro P, Navaratnarajah R. Reporting of embryo transfer methods in IVF research: a cross-sectional study. Reprod Biomed Online. 2015;30:137–43.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Mains L, Van Voorhis BJ. Optimizing the technique of embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 2010;94:785–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Derks RS, Farquhar C, Mol BW, Buckingham K, Heineman MJ. Techniques for preparation prior to embryo transfer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(4):CD007682.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Abou-Setta AM, Peters LR, D'Angelo A, Sallam HN, Hart RJ, Al-Inany HG. Post-embryo transfer interventions for assisted reproduction technology cycles. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(8):CD006567.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Martins WP, Soares CA, Barbosa MW, Yamaguti EM, Ferriani RA. Oocyte retrieval using the lateral recumbent position. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2015;doi:10.1002/uog.15804.

  10. Groutz A, Lessing JB, Wolf Y, Azem F, Yovel I, Amit A. Comparison of transmyometrial and transcervical embryo transfer in patients with previously failed in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles and/or cervical stenosis. Fertil Steril. 1997;67:1073–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Lin TK, Lin YR, Lai TH, Lee FK, Su JT, Lo HC. Transmyometrial blastocyst transfer in a patient with congenital cervical atresia. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2010;49:366–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Jamal W, Phillips SJ, Hemmings R, Lapensee L, Couturier B, Bissonnette F, Kadoch IJ. Successful pregnancy following novel IVF protocol and transmyometrial embryo transfer after radical vaginal trachelectomy. Reprod Biomed Online. 2009;18:700–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Schoolcraft WB. Importance of embryo transfer technique in maximizing assisted reproductive outcomes. Fertil Steril. 2016;105:855–60.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Revelli A, Rovei V, Dalmasso P, Gennarelli G, Racca C, Evangelista F, Benedetto C. A large prospective randomized trial comparing trans-abdominal ultrasound-guided embryo transfer (UGET) with an embryo transfer technique based on previous uterine length measurement (ULMb-ET). Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; In press (PMID: 26924732 doi: 10.1002/uog.15899).

  15. Bar Hava I, Meltzer S, Rabinson J, Ayash I, Sega S, Tur Kaspa I. Ultrasound guided versus blind tactile embryo transfer: a prospective randomized study. Hum Reprod. 2003;18:7.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Chen SC, Lai TH, Lee FK. The influence of abdominal ultrasound-guided embryo transfer on pregnancy rate: a preliminary report. Fertil Steril. 2007;87:1235–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Coroleu B, Barri PN, Carreras O, Martinez F, Veiga A, Balasch J. The usefulness of ultrasound guidance in frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a prospective randomized clinical trial. Hum Reprod. 2002;17:2885–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Coroleu B, Carreras O, Veiga A, Martell A, Martinez F, Belil I, Hereter L, Barri PN. Embryo transfer under ultrasound guidance improves pregnancy rates after in-vitro fertilization. Hum Reprod. 2000;15:616–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Eskandar M, Abou-Setta AM, Almushait MA, El-Amin M, Mohmad SE. Ultrasound guidance during embryo transfer: a prospective, single-operator, randomized, controlled trial. Fertil Steril. 2008;90:1187–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Garcia-Velasco JA, Isaza V, Martinez-Salazar J, Landazabal A, Requena A, Remohi J, Simon C. Transabdominal ultrasound-guided embryo transfer does not increase pregnancy rates in oocyte recipients. Fertil Steril. 2002;78:534–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Maldonado LG, Ajzen SA, Busato WC, Iaconelli Jr A, Bibancos M, Borges Jr E. Impact of previous hysterossonometry on embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 2005;84:S364.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Martins AMC, Baruffi RL, Mauri AL, Petersen C, Oliveira JB, Contart P, Pontes A, Franco Jr JG. Ultrasound guidance is not necessary during easy embryo transfers. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2004;21:421–5.

    Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  23. Matorras R, Urquijo E, Mendoza R, Corcostegui B, Exposito A, Rodriguez-Escudero FJ. Ultrasound-guided embryo transfer improves pregnancy rates and increases the frequency of easy transfers. Hum Reprod. 2002;17:1762–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Moraga-Sanchez MR, Saucedo-de la Llata E, Batiza-Resendiz V, Santos-Haliscak R, Galache-Vega P, Hernández-Ayup S, Patrizio P. Ultrasound influence and 30 second wait in embryo transfer. Hum Reprod. 2004;19:i127.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Tang OS, Ng EH, So WW, Ho PC. Ultrasound-guided embryo transfer: a prospective randomized controlled trial. Hum Reprod. 2001;16:2310–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Weissman A, Farhi J, Steinfeld Z, Mutsafi R, Nahum H, Levran D. A prospective, randomized study of ultrasound-guided embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 2003;80:S122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Wisanto A, Janssens R, Deschacht J, Camus M, Devroey P, Van Steirteghem AC. Performance of different embryo transfer catheters in a human in vitro fertilization program. Fertil Steril. 1989;52:79–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Bodri D, Colodron M, Garcia D, Obradors A, Vernaeve V, Coll O. Transvaginal versus transabdominal ultrasound guidance for embryo transfer in donor oocyte recipients: a randomized clinical trial. Fertil Steril. 2011;95:2263–8, 2268 e2261.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Hauzman E, Kohls G, Barrio A, Martinez Salazar J, Iglesias C, Garcia-Velasco JA. Comparison of embryo transfer in egg donation recipients with transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound: a randomized pilot study. Hum Reprod. 2013;28:i241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Porat N, Boehnlein LM, Schouweiler CM, Kang J, Lindheim SR. Interim analysis of a randomized clinical trial comparing abdominal versus transvaginal ultrasound-guided embryo transfer. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2010;36:384–92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Maldonado LG, Ajzen SA, Aoki T, Busato WC, Pasqualotto A, Iaconelli Jr A, Borges Jr E. Embryo transfer based on previous uterine length measurement: a prospective randomized study. Hum Reprod. 2010;25:i99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Gaikwad S, Garrido N, Cobo A, Pellicer A, Remohi J. Bed rest after embryo transfer negatively affects in vitro fertilization: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Fertil Steril. 2013;100:729–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Buckett WM. A review and meta-analysis of prospective trials comparing different catheters used for embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 2006;85:728–34.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Barbosa MW, Silva LR, Navarro PA, Ferriani RA, Nastri CO, Martins WP. Dydrogesterone vs progesterone for luteal-phase support: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016; In press (PMID: 26577241 doi: 10.1002/uog.15814).

  35. Coroleu B, Barri PN, Carreras O, Martinez F, Parriego M, Hereter L, Parera N, Veiga A, Balasch J. The influence of the depth of embryo replacement into the uterine cavity on implantation rates after IVF: a controlled, ultrasound-guided study. Hum Reprod. 2002;17:341–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Pope CS, Cook EK, Arny M, Novak A, Grow DR. Influence of embryo transfer depth on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer outcomes. Fertil Steril. 2004;81:51–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Frankfurter D, Trimarchi JB, Silva CP, Keefe DL. Middle to lower uterine segment embryo transfer improves implantation and pregnancy rates compared with fundal embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 2004;81:1273–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Cenksoy PO, Ficicioglu C, Yesiladali M, Akcin OA, Kaspar C. The importance of the length of uterine cavity, the position of the tip of the inner catheter and the distance between the fundal endometrial surface and the air bubbles as determinants of the pregnancy rate in IVF cycles. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2014;172:46–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Pacchiarotti A, Mohamed MA, Micara G, Tranquilli D, Linari A, Espinola SM, Aragona C. The impact of the depth of embryo replacement on IVF outcome. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2007;24:189–93.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  40. Kwon H, Choi DH, Kim EK. Absolute position versus relative position in embryo transfer: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2015;13:78.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  41. Eytan O, Elad D, Jaffa AJ. Evaluation of the embryo transfer protocol by a laboratory model of the uterus. Fertil Steril. 2007;88:485–93.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Yaniv S, Elad D, Jaffa AJ, Eytan O. Biofluid aspects of embryo transfer. Ann Biomed Eng. 2003;31:1255–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Fanchin R, Righini C, Olivennes F, Taylor S, de Ziegler D, Frydman R. Uterine contractions at the time of embryo transfer alter pregnancy rates after in-vitro fertilization. Hum Reprod. 1998;13:1968–74.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Saravelos SH, Wong AW, Chan CP, Kong GW, Li TC. How often does the embryo implant at the location where it was transferred? Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;48:106–12.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Küçük M. Bed rest after embryo transfer: is it harmful? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2013;167:123–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Hawkins LK, Rossi BV, Correia KF, Lipskind ST, Hornstein MD, Missmer SA. Perceptions among infertile couples of lifestyle behaviors and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2014;31:255–60.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  47. Nouri K, Tempfer CB, Walch K, Promberger R, Dag S, Ott J. Predictive value of the time interval between embryo loading and transfer for IVF/ICSI success: a prospective cohort study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2015;13:51.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  48. Tiras B, Cenksoy PO. Practice of embryo transfer: recommendations during and after. Semin Reprod Med. 2014;32:291–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Desparoir A, Capelle M, Banet J, Noizet A, Gamerre M, Courbiere B. Does the experience of the provider affect pregnancy rates after embryo transfer? J Reprod Med. 2011;56:437–43.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Saravelos SH, Wong AW, Kong GW, Huang J, Klitzman R, Li TC. Pain during embryo transfer is independently associated with clinical pregnancy in fresh/frozen assisted reproductive technology cycles. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2016;42(6):684–93.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Akhtar MA, Netherton R, Majumder K, Edi-Osagie E, Sajjad Y. Methods employed to overcome difficult embryo transfer during assisted reproduction treatment. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2015;292:255–62.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Mansour R, Aboulghar M, Serour G. Dummy embryo transfer: a technique that minimizes the problems of embryo transfer and improves the pregnancy rate in human in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril. 1990;54:678–81.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Nastri CO, Lensen SF, Gibreel A, Raine-Fenning N, Ferriani RA, Bhattacharya S, Martins WP. Endometrial injury in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(3):CD009517.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Guven S, Kart C, Unsal MA, Yildirim O, Odaci E, Yulug E. Endometrial injury may increase the clinical pregnancy rate in normoresponders undergoing long agonist protocol ICSI cycles with single embryo transfer. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2014;173:58–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Nastri CO, Ferriani RA, Raine-Fenning N, Martins WP. Endometrial scratching performed in the non-transfer cycle and outcome of assisted reproduction: a randomized controlled trial. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2013;42:375–82.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Prapas N, Prapas Y, Panagiotidis Y, Prapa S, Vanderzwalmen P, Makedos G. Cervical dilatation has a positive impact on the outcome of IVF in randomly assigned cases having two previous difficult embryo transfers. Hum Reprod. 2004;19:1791–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Saravelos SH, Wong AW, Chan CP, Kong GW, Li TC. How often does the embryo implant at the location where it was transferred? Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015; doi:10.1002/uog.15778.

  58. Woolcott R, Stanger J. Potentially important variables identified by transvaginal ultrasound-guided embryo transfer. Hum Reprod. 1997;12:963–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Madani T, Ashrafi M, Jahangiri N, Abadi AB, Lankarani N. Improvement of pregnancy rate by modification of embryo transfer technique: a randomized clinical trial. Fertil Steril. 2010;94:2424–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Fang L, Sun Y, Su Y, Guo Y. Advantages of 3-dimensional sonography in embryo transfer. J Ultrasound Med. 2009;28:573–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Nastri CO, Martins WP. Ultrasound guidance for embryo transfer: where do we stand? Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; In press (doi: 10.1002/uog.16005).

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil

    Wellington P. Martins, Danielle M. Teixeira & Marina W. P. Barbosa

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, Brazil

    Danielle M. Teixeira

Authors
  1. Wellington P. Martins
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Danielle M. Teixeira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Marina W. P. Barbosa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wellington P. Martins .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

    Stefano Guerriero

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

    Wellington P. Martins

  3. Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Navarra, Spain

    Juan Luis Alcazar

1 Electronic Supplementary Material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

(MP4 3374 kb)

(MP4 6973 kb)

(MP4 9231 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Martins, W.P., Teixeira, D.M., Barbosa, M.W.P. (2017). Ultrasound for Embryo Transfer. In: Guerriero, S., Martins, W., Alcazar, J. (eds) Managing Ultrasonography in Human Reproduction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41037-1_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41037-1_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-41035-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-41037-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation