Nonoperative Embryo Transfer to the Fallopian Tube

Abstract

FERTILIZATION of the human oocyte by a spermatozoon and early development of the fertilized ovum take place in the lumen of the fallopian tube.1 When infertility is caused by disease of the fallopian tubes, in vitro fertilization has an important role in its treatment.2 3 4 5 6 In vitro fertilization in humans first became practicable in the 1970s, when operative laparoscopy made it possible to aspirate ovarian follicles7; more recently, in vitro fertilization has been simplified by the use of ultrasound-guided transvaginal ovarian puncture to collect oocytes for fertilization, obviating the need for general anesthesia and for hospitalization.8 , 9 In either case, the . . .