Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Is There A Role for Tubal Transfers?

  • Chapter
Human Embryo Transfer

  • 765 Accesses

Abstract

Tubal transfers were a forgotten entity due to development of culture media, laboratory conditions and other advances in laboratory techniques including the advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). There is resurgence of interest in this modality as a means to bypass technical and mechanical difficulties during uterine embryo transfers and in dealing with the uterine embryo transfers facing high-order recurrent failures. In the last and most common indication, the tubal transfer of embryos or zygote intra-fallopian transfer may enhance the implantation rates and pregnancy rates by providing a more conducive physiologic environment, emphasizing the role of Fallopian tube in embryogenesis and its development, by improving the synchrony of the endometrium and embryo development, bypassing the junctional contractions, which are inevitable, even in the most atraumatic uterine embryo transfers and playing a role in embryo expulsion. The logistics, cost, risks of laparoscopy and slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy may hinder its frequent application but may be a saving grace for high-order recurrent failures where extensive investigations reveal nothing. It has been performed most often for cleavage-stage embryos (day 1–3), both fresh and cryopreserved embryos, though blastocyst intra-fallopian transfer has also successfully achieved intrauterine pregnancy.

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 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 54.99
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. Balmaceda JP, Pool TB, Arana JB, Heitman TS, Asch RH. Successful in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in cynomolgus monkeys. Fertil Steril. 1984;42(5):791–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Devroey P, Braeckmans P, Smitz J, Van Waesberghe L, Wisanto A, Van Steirteghem A, Heytens L, Camu F. Pregnancy after translaparoscopic zygote intrafallopian transfer in a patient with sperm antibodies. Lancet. 1986;1(8493):1329.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Agha-Hosseini M, Aleyaseen A, Peyvandi S, Kasha L. Comparison of pregnancy and implantation rates in zygote intrafallopian transfer and uterine embryo transfer for nontubal infertility. East Mediterr Health J. 2010;16(1):29–33.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Mansour RT, Aboulghar MA, Serour GI, Amin YM. Dummy embryo transfer using methylene blue dye. Hum Reprod. 1994;9(7):1257–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Knutzen V, Stratton CJ, Sher G, McNamee PI, Huang TT, Soto-Albors C. Mock embryo transfer in early luteal phase, the cycle before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: a descriptive study. Fertil Steril. 1992;57(1):156–62.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Poindexter 3rd AN, Thompson DJ, Gibbons WE, Findley WE, Dodson MG, Young RL. Residual embryos in failed embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 1986;46(2):262–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Schulman JD. Delayed expulsion of transfer fluid after IVF/ET. Lancet. 1986;1(8471):44.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Siebel MM, Weissman A, Gardner DK, Weissman A, Howles CM, Shoham Z. Gamete intrafallopian transfer and zygote intrafallopian transfer. Textbook of assisted reproductive technologies. Laboratory and clinical perspectives. 3rd ed. London: Informa Healthcare; 2009. p. 673–92.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Habana AE, Palter SF. Is tubal embryo transfer of any value? A meta-analysis and comparison with the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology database. Fertil Steril. 2001;76(2):286–93.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Jansen R. Endocrine response in the fallopian tube. Endocr Rev. 1984;5:525–51.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Lesny P, Killick SR. The junctional zone of the uterus and its contractions. BJOG. 2004;111(11):1182–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Egbase PE, Udo EE, Al-Sharhan M, Grudzinskas JG. Prophylactic antibiotics and endocervical microbial inoculation of the endometrium at embryo transfer. Lancet. 1999;354(9179):651–2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Fanchin R, Harmas A, Benaoudia F, Lundkvist U, Olivennes F, Frydman R. Microbial flora of the cervix assessed at the time of embryo transfer adversely affects in vitro fertilization outcome. Fertil Steril. 1998;70(5):866–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Hammitt DG, Syrop CH, Hahn SJ, Walker DL, Butkowski CR, Donovan JF. Comparison of concurrent pregnancy rates for in-vitro fertilization–embryo transfer, pronuclear stage embryo transfer and gamete intra-fallopian transfer. Hum Reprod. 1990;5(8):947–54.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Pool TB, Ellsworth LR, Garza JR, Martin JE, Miller SS, Atiee SH. Zygote intrafallopian transfer as a treatment for nontubal infertility: a 2-year study. Fertil Steril. 1990;54(3):482–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Boldt J, Schnarr P, Ajamie A, Ketner J, Bonaventura L, Colver R, Reuter L, Jarrett J. Success rates following intracytoplasmic sperm injection are improved by using ZIFT vs IVF for embryo transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet. 1996;13(10):782–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Hurst BS, Tucker KE, Guadagnoli S, Awoniyi CA, Schlaff WD. Transcervical gamete and zygote intrafallopian transfer. Does it enhance pregnancy rates in an assisted reproduction program? J Reprod Med. 1996;41(11):867–70.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Pados G, Camus M, Van Waesberghe L, Liebaers I, Van Steirteghem A, Devroey P. Oocyte and embryo donation: evaluation of 412 consecutive trials. Hum Reprod. 1992;7(8):1111–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Abdalla HI, Baber RJ, Kirkland A, Leonard T, Studd JW. Pregnancy in women with premature ovarian failure using tubal and intrauterine transfer of cryopreserved zygotes. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1989;96(9):1071–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Assisted reproductive technology in the United States: 1996 results generated from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry. Fertil Steril. 1999;71(5):798–807.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Templeton A, Morris JK. Reducing the risk of multiple births by transfer of two embryos after in vitro fertilization. N Engl J Med. 1998;339(9):573–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Damario MA, Rosenwaks Z. Repeated implantation failure: the preferred therapeutic approach. In: Gardner DK, Weissman A, Howes CM, Shoham Z, editors. Assisted reproductive techniques: laboratory and clinical perspectives. London: Dunitz; 2000. p. 543–60.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Cruz JR, Dubey AK, Patel J, Peak D, Hartog B, Gindoff PR. Is blastocyst transfer useful as an alternative treatment for patients with multiple in vitro fertilization failures? Fertil Steril. 1999;72(2):218–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Levran D, Farhi J, Nahum H, Royburt M, Glezerman M, Weissman A. Prospective evaluation of blastocyst stage transfer vs. zygote intrafallopian tube transfer in patients with repeated implantation failure. Fertil Steril. 2002;77(5):971–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Weissman A, Horowitz E, Ravhon A, Nahum H, Golan A, Levran D. Zygote intrafallopian transfer among patients with repeated implantation failure. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2013;120(1):70–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Aslan D, Elizur SE, Levron J, Shulman A, Lerner-Geva L, Bider D, Dor J. Comparison of zygote intrafallopian tube transfer and transcervical uterine embryo transfer in patients with repeated implantation failure. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2005;122(2):191–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Chawla M, Fakih M, Shunnar A, Divakaran JP. Our experience with ZIFT, 32 cases of RIF and cervical factors. Unpublished data.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Farhi J, Weissman A, Nahum H, Levran D. Zygote intrafallopian transfer in patients with tubal factor infertility after repeated failure of implantation with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 2000;74(2):390–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Mor E, Vermesh M. Combined gamete intrafallopian transfer [GIFT]/in vitro fertilization embryo transfer [IVF-ET] versus zygote intrafallopian transfer in women with prior failed IVF. Fertil Steril. 2006;85(Supplement 2):S7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Tanbo T, Dale PO, Abyholm T. Assisted fertilization in infertile women with patent fallopian tubes. A comparison of in-vitro fertilization, gamete intra-fallopian transfer and tubal embryo stage transfer. Hum Reprod. 1990;5(3):266–70.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Fluker MR, Zouves CG, Bebbington MW. A prospective randomized comparison of zygote intrafallopian transfer and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer for nontubal factor infertility. Fertil Steril. 1993;60(3):515–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Van Voorhis BJ, Syrop CH, Vincent Jr RD, Chestnut DH, Sparks AE, Chapler FK. Tubal versus uterine transfer of cryopreserved embryos: a prospective randomized trial. Fertil Steril. 1995;63(3):578–83.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Murray A, Hutton J. Successful tubal blastocyst transfer after laparoscopic cervical cerclage: cesarean delivery of a live very low-birth-weight infant and later hysterectomy for uterine rupture. Fertil Steril. 2011;96(4):895–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Jain JK, Meng L. Zygote intrafallopian transfer a viable option for women of advanced maternal age. Fertil Steril. 2009;91(3, supplement):15–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Siam EM. Office microlaparoscopic intrafallopian transfer of day one zygote versus day three embryo transfer after previous failed ICSI trials. Afr J Reprod Health. 2011;15(2):153–61.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Biervliet FP, Lesny P, Maguiness SD, Robinson J, Killick SR. Transmyometrial embryo transfer and junctional zone contractions. Hum Reprod. 2001;17(2):347–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Kerin JF, Williams DB, San Roman GA, Pearlstone AC, Grundfest WS, Surrey ES. Falloposcopic classification and treatment of fallopian tube lumen disease. Fertil Steril. 1992;57(4):731–41.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Weissman A, Eldar I, Ravhon A, Biran G, Farhi J, Nahum H, Golan A, Levran D. Timing intra-fallopian transfer procedures. Reprod Biomed Online. 2007;15(4):445–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Tews G, Shebl O, Moser M, Ebner T. Successful pregnancy in vitrified/warmed blastocyst intrafallopian transfer. Fertil Steril. 2012;98(1):52–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Scott LA, Smith S. The successful use of pronuclear embryo transfers the day following oocyte retrieval. Hum Reprod. 1998;13(4):1003–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Tesarik J, Junca AM, Hazout A, Aubriot FX, Nathan C, Cohen-Bacrie P, Dumont-Hassan M. Embryos with high implantation potential after intracytoplasmic sperm injection can be recognized by a simple, non-invasive examination of pronuclear morphology. Hum Reprod. 2000;15(6):1396–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist, Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE

    Monika Chawla MD, MRCOG

  2. Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE

    Jayaprakash Divakaran MSc, PhD & Michael H. Fakih MD

  3. IVF Michigan Fertility Center, Michigan, MI, USA

    Michael H. Fakih MD

  4. Al-Shunnar Polyclinic, Fakih IVF Fertility Center, Dubai, UAE

    Amal Al-Shunnar LRCP and SI, MB, BCh, BAO (NUI)

Authors
  1. Monika Chawla MD, MRCOG
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jayaprakash Divakaran MSc, PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Michael H. Fakih MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Amal Al-Shunnar LRCP and SI, MB, BCh, BAO (NUI)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Monika Chawla MD, MRCOG .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Rotunda - Blue Fertility Clinic & Keyhole Surgery Center, Medical Director, Rotunda- The Center for Human Reproduction, Mumbai, India

    Gautam N. Allahbadia

  2. Director of Matercell, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Studies in Genetics and Reproduction, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Claudio F. Chillik

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer India

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Chawla, M., Divakaran, J., Fakih, M.H., Al-Shunnar, A. (2015). Is There A Role for Tubal Transfers?. In: Allahbadia, G., Chillik, C. (eds) Human Embryo Transfer. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-1115-0_10

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-1115-0_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New Delhi

  • Print ISBN: 978-81-322-1114-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-81-322-1115-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation