Brief History of Utero-Tubal Occlusion

Utero-Tubal Occlusion is the term defining the closing of the tubal lumen by mechanical means. Modern types of tubal occlusion can be accomplished by tying or clipping the tube externally or by means of internal plugging (operculum).

The 1930s gave women the option of contraception by means of a total abdominal hysterectomy. The1960s produced less drastic measures by an abdominal laparotomy and transecting the tube, leaving the uterus and ovaries intact. Advances in techniques led to tubal clips, rings and laparoscopy for a minimally invasive technique.

Modern techniques are being established with the aid of hysteroscope. These techniques employ the office based procedure such as transcervical tubal occlusion. These products are becoming or will become available within the next 2-4 years and are good innovative ideas. Unfortunately, all these devices are based on vascular technology adapted to uterine anatomy.

References
Family Planning Perspectives. Volume 33, Number 4, July/August 2001
Tubal Sterilization in the United States, 1994-1996.
By Andrea P. MacKay, Burney A. Kieke, Jr., Lisa M. Koonin and Karen Beattie

This device is not FDA approved. Not for sale in the U.S.