Fertilization in VitroNCT03062098
Optimizing the Technique of Embryo Transfer in IVF Using Better Imaging Guidance
A study testing ultrasound imaging in people with Fertilization in Vitro, run by Rambam Health Care Campus at 1 site in Israel.
Trial summary
This trial seeks to improve ultrasound imaging during embryo transfer in IVF by using a small, high resolution ultrasound probe used routinely for cardiac imaging in children. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Fertilization in Vitro
- What is being tested?
- ultrasound imaging
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 0 participants
- Where
- 1 siteIsrael
- Study dates
- 15 May 2017to 1 Sep 2017
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
None listed.
Who cannot join
- -
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
This trial seeks to improve ultrasound imaging during embryo transfer in IVF by using a small, high resolution ultrasound probe used routinely for cardiac imaging in children.
Read the detailed description
Since the first pregnancy using IVF was achieved nearly 40 years ago, many aspects of this procedure have undergone significant progress. In contrast, the technique of embryo transfer (ET) has remained relatively unchanged. A simple yet critical element in the final step of IVF, ET has received little attention. In general, the procedure starts by placing a speculum in the vagina to visualize the cervix, which is cleansed with saline solution or culture media. A transfer catheter is loaded with the embryos is inserted through the cervical canal and advanced into the uterine cavity where the embryos are deposited.
The catheter is then withdrawn and handed to the embryologist, who inspects it for retained embryos. Ultrasound (US) guidance is used to facilitate atraumatic insertion of the catheter, as well as ensure correct location in the uterine cavity.
The available evidence suggests that there is a benefit of using US guidance during ET (Teixeira et al, Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 201;45:139-48, Abou-Setta et al, Fertil Steril. 2007;88:333-41).
High quality US imaging is difficult to achieve if the distance from the abdominal wall to the uterus is big (thick abdominal wall, retro-verted uterus), or if the bladder is not full enough.
High resolution US imaging dictates short distance between the US transducer and the organ of interest (in our case cervical canal and endometrium). Previous effort in that direction was done using a vaginal US probe. However, this instrumentation makes the ET technique cumbersome and difficult to perform. We hypothesize that a significant advantage in imaging quality can be achieved by placing a flat or concave high frequency US transducer in the posterior fornix as an extension of the posterior speculum blade.
Our overarching goal is to develop new ET procedure; this procedure will be dependent on precise and high resolution imaging. For that goal we consulted with ultrasound experts that recommended the use of dedicated probe. After a thorough review we found a probe (Philips 21381A / T6207) that is used for pediatric transesophageal applications with operating frequency of 4-7 Megahetz.
As part of the embryo transfer, the investigators plan to insert the above probe into the posterior fornix. The investigators will then evaluate the visualization abilities of placing a probe closer to the uterus. The aim is to define the ultrasound image parameters for ET. The information will be used to define the technical specification for a "tailor made" ET probe.
- Conditions
- Fertilization in Vitro
- Being tested
- ultrasound imaging
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ultrasound imagingDevice
Ultrasound imaging during embryo transfer using a small vaginal probe.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| IVF patients | Experimental | IVF patients before embryo transfer. Before performing embryo transfer in the routine manner, ten patients will be asked to participate in the study. After signing informed consent, participants will undergo the experimental procedure: Speculum will be placed to visualize the cervix. The thin ultrasound probe will be places posterior to the cervix. While viewing the image on the ultrasound screen, the probe will be moved manually to obtain the best imaging of the cervical canal. An empty embryo transfer catheter will be introduced to the cervical canal and will be advanced under ultrasound imaging up to the internal os. The catheter will be withdrawn, and routine embryo transfer will follow. Receives: Device: ultrasound imaging |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Imaging quality
Characterization of exact ultrasound image planes while placing an ultrasound probe within the posterior fornix, for anatomical optimization
Measured: About 1 minute
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Feb 2017
- Study start15 May 2017 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Jul 2017 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Sep 2017 (estimated)
Why it stopped: Primary investigator retired, rest of staff cannot continue
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Fertilization in VitroStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Device feasibility
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 0 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Rambam Health Care Campus
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03062098
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 0229-16-RMB
- Status last verified
- Oct 2017
- First submitted
- 13 Feb 2017
- Last updated
- 5 Oct 2017
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Oct 2017. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Optimizing the Technique of Embryo Transfer in IVF Using Better Imaging Guidance
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03062098
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 0229-16-RMB
- Conditions
- Fertilization in Vitro
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- WithdrawnReason stopped: Primary investigator retired, rest of staff cannot continue
- Enrolment
- 0 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Rambam Health Care CampusUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 May 2017 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jul 2017 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2017 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Feb 2017 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This trial seeks to improve ultrasound imaging during embryo transfer in IVF by using a small, high resolution ultrasound probe used routinely for cardiac imaging in children.
Detailed description
Since the first pregnancy using IVF was achieved nearly 40 years ago, many aspects of this procedure have undergone significant progress. In contrast, the technique of embryo transfer (ET) has remained relatively unchanged. A simple yet critical element in the final step of IVF, ET has received little attention. In general, the procedure starts by placing a speculum in the vagina to visualize the cervix, which is cleansed with saline solution or culture media. A transfer catheter is loaded with the embryos is inserted through the cervical canal and advanced into the uterine cavity where the embryos are deposited.
The catheter is then withdrawn and handed to the embryologist, who inspects it for retained embryos. Ultrasound (US) guidance is used to facilitate atraumatic insertion of the catheter, as well as ensure correct location in the uterine cavity.
The available evidence suggests that there is a benefit of using US guidance during ET (Teixeira et al, Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 201;45:139-48, Abou-Setta et al, Fertil Steril. 2007;88:333-41).
High quality US imaging is difficult to achieve if the distance from the abdominal wall to the uterus is big (thick abdominal wall, retro-verted uterus), or if the bladder is not full enough.
High resolution US imaging dictates short distance between the US transducer and the organ of interest (in our case cervical canal and endometrium). Previous effort in that direction was done using a vaginal US probe. However, this instrumentation makes the ET technique cumbersome and difficult to perform. We hypothesize that a significant advantage in imaging quality can be achieved by placing a flat or concave high frequency US transducer in the posterior fornix as an extension of the posterior speculum blade.
Our overarching goal is to develop new ET procedure; this procedure will be dependent on precise and high resolution imaging. For that goal we consulted with ultrasound experts that recommended the use of dedicated probe. After a thorough review we found a probe (Philips 21381A / T6207) that is used for pediatric transesophageal applications with operating frequency of 4-7 Megahetz.
As part of the embryo transfer, the investigators plan to insert the above probe into the posterior fornix. The investigators will then evaluate the visualization abilities of placing a probe closer to the uterus. The aim is to define the ultrasound image parameters for ET. The information will be used to define the technical specification for a "tailor made" ET probe.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Device feasibility
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| IVF patients | Experimental | Device: ultrasound imagingIVF patients before embryo transfer. Before performing embryo transfer in the routine manner, ten patients will be asked to participate in the study. After signing informed consent, participants will undergo the experimental procedure: Speculum will be placed to visualize the cervix. The thin ultrasound probe will be places posterior to the cervix. While viewing the image on the ultrasound screen, the probe will be moved manually to obtain the best imaging of the cervical canal. An empty embryo transfer catheter will be introduced to the cervical canal and will be advanced under ultrasound imaging up to the internal os. The catheter will be withdrawn, and routine embryo transfer will follow. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (0 listed)
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- -
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ultrasound imagingUltrasound imaging during embryo transfer using a small vaginal probe. | Device | IVF patients |
Primary outcome
Imaging quality
Time frame: About 1 minute
Characterization of exact ultrasound image planes while placing an ultrasound probe within the posterior fornix, for anatomical optimization
Results and safety
The study was withdrawn before enrolling participants, so there are no results.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Oct 2017.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing ultrasound imaging in people with Fertilization in Vitro, run by Rambam Health Care Campus at 1 site in Israel.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 0 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: withdrawn, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Oct 2017. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Israel. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study was withdrawn before enrolling participants, so there are no results.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Imaging quality (time frame: About 1 minute). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Oct 2017.