Hysteroscopy and Essure
The Essure implant is 40 mm long by 8 mm in diameter and is inserted into the proximal part of the fallopian tubes via hysteroscopy. It consists of a nitinol spring (nickel-titanium alloy) and polyethylene fibres which produce fibrosis and occlusion of the tubes within 3 months thus preventing fertilisation. Currently no anaesthesia is required and the procedure is performed via a hysteroscopy. It is an outpatient procedure. Radiography is used to confirm tubal occlusion: hysterosalpingography, sonohysterography or two or three dimensional ultrasound scanning. It is safe, well tolerated, effective over time, and irreversible. It is more cost-effective than tubal ligation and is compatible with IVF treatment, if necessary.