Development and Initial Clinical Experience with AltaSeal®: a Novel Hysteroscopically Placed Permanent Contraception System

Purpose of Review The purpose of this paper is to review the development and clinical evaluation of AltaSeal® which is being developed as an easy-to-use hysteroscopic sterilization implant. The implant made from 316 LVM bio-compatible stainless steel has been tested in clinical trials both for its efficacy in preventing pregnancy and its ability to occlude fallopian tubes with hydrosalpinges ahead of in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapies. Recent Findings The clinical data to date suggests that when placed correctly, AltaSeal® can effectively prevent pregnancy. In an observational study of patients with hydrosalpinges, AltaSeal® data suggests that the fallopian tubes are effectively closed by the AltaSeal® implants, thereby increasing IVF efficacy. Summary The results to date suggest that AltaSeal® can efficiently occlude fallopian tubes for both the prevention of pregnancy and possibly return the success rate of IVF in patients with hydrosalpinges to levels seen in patients without hydrosalpinges. Further clinical studies are ongoing to expand the clinical data.