Shape memory titanium alloy clip for female sterilization
Xue, P.
Sheng Zhi Yu Bi Yun 12(3): 29-32
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-357X PMID: 12317562 Document Number: 320594
Between 1982-87, shape memory titanium alloy clips were employed for female sterilization by minilaparotomy in 1002 cases. This clip was noncorrosive and had high histocompatibility. The clip was designed to open in ice water between 0 degrees-4 degrees Celsius and close a t between 30 degrees-40 degrees Celsius spontaneously. It was placed vertically over the isthmus 3 cm away from the uterine cornus to avoid blood vessels in the mesosalpinx. Clip application was painless and without complication. On followup, only 6.3% had mild menstrual disturbances. The failure rate was 0.89%. Midluteal progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) were determined in 91 clip patients; 21 normal worn and 27 tubal ligation cases served as controls. The serum P levels were similar in cases and normal controls. There were significant differences in serum P between clip and tubal ligation groups, scanning electron microscopy examination of rabbit tube with clip showed limited destruction of the tubal mucosa with normal cilia and cells at the border. The clip produced little disturbances in the ovarian blood supply and the least destruction of the tubal mucosa. (author's modified)