Saline Infusion Sonography

When ultrasound imaging methods without uterine distention do not yield a diagnosis for the cause of abnormal or dysfunctional uterine bleeding, suspected myometrial or intraluminal abnormalities, endometrial hyperplasia, recurrent pregnancy loss or assessment of uterine pathology, instillation of saline within the uterine cavity can provide clear delineation of internal uterine structure. In this procedure the balloon on the TVUS/HSG-Cath™ infusion catheter is tested for patency and the catheter is flushed with saline. The tip of the catheter is then placed at the cervical os and gently inserted to the desired depth so that the balloon placement is fully intrauterine, aided by depth markings on the catheter shaft. The inflation syringe is set to the 1.5cc mark and attached to the inflation port, and the syringe plunger is fully depressed. The inflation stopcock is now closed and the syringe is removed. The catheter is gently pulled back until the balloon abuts the internal os. The proprietary conical shape of the TVUS/HSG-Cath™ balloon provides effective saline stoppage at the internal os without patient discomfort. Saline is then infused through the catheter injection port into the uterus. With the uterus now distended, it is typically scanned with transvaginal ultrasound from cornua to cornua in the sagittal plane, and then from the endocervix to fundus in the coronal plane. Because of its special shape and smaller profile, the TVUS/HSG-Cath™ balloon does not create visual artifact at the internal os as compared to other balloon type catheters, meaning that most of the cavity may be assessed prior to balloon deflation and final lower segment imaging. TVUS/HSG-Cath™ requires less saline and prevents hurried imaging compared to a single-lumen “insemination” catheter.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

TVUS/HSG-Cath™ is a saline/contrast media infusion catheter.

FEATURES

• Peel-away guide facilitates placement of catheter and can be removed from the catheter prior to imaging.
• Pre-loaded stylet option is ready for immediate insertion when stenosis is present.
• Markings indicate insertion depth to help avoid uterine perforation.
• Optimized liquid infusion cross-section to achieve infusion flow rates without significant hand pressure.
• Proprietary conical-shaped balloon is designed to provide effective saline stoppage at the internal os without patient discomfort.
• Intrauterine placement of balloon is possible without significant image obstruction near the internal os.

INDICATIONS

Trans-Vaginal Ultrasound (TVUS): with saline infusion
• Persistent abnormal or dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
• Suspected myometrial or intraluminal abnormalities (e.g., fibroids or polyps).
• Thickened or irregular endometrium.
• Recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Pre- and post-operative assessment of uterine pathology.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Known or suspected pregnancy.
• Pelvic infection.