IN-VITRO OCCLUSION OF HUMAN FALLOPIAN-TUBES WITH ND-YAG LASER

Background,There is a need for an atraumatic, fast, reliable, inexpens ive, reversible-on-demand method For female sterilization which is als o free from side-effects, The use of an Nd:YAG laser for occlusion of human fallopian tubes irt vitro was assessed for achieving these aims, Methods, An in vitro study was performed on coagulation of fallopian tube tissue using continuous wave Nd:YAG laser. Post-hysterectomy huma n uteri were exposed to laser radiation either directly through an opt ical fibre or through a sapphire contact probe at the ostia at differe nt laser powers and inter-action times. Results, Laser-induced tissue coagulation plugged the ostia in a clean, controlled and predictable m anner. Microscopic examination of the coagulated tissue showed about 5 0 mu m wide blind holes without any continuous channel; thus eliminati ng the possibility of passage of sperms through such a plug, The depth of coagulation along the lumen of rite fallopian tubes increased line arly with the interaction time of the laser beam at a constant power, either by direct irradiation or through a contact probe. The maximum d epth of coagulation was found to be about 3 mm in case of direct Irrad iation at a laser power of about 6.5 W and interaction time of 50 seco nds. Beyond these values, charring occurred at the surface of the tiss ue. Conclusion, Nd:YAG laser might be a suitable means for female ster ilization, Further studies in experimental and clinical settings would be required to confirm its utility.