Dr Moliner explores the role of 4D ultrasound scans in uterine contractility diagnosis at a gathering of experts on the Canary Islands

Dr Belén Moliner, a gynaecologist at Instituto Bernabeu with specialist knowledge of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging, participated in the encounter for professionals entitled Three-Dimensional Ultrasound and Simulators in Reproductive Medicine From Egg to Baby–A Hands-On Course. The event was organised by Clínica FIVAP, a human assisted reproduction centre in La Laguna. In her presentation, Dr Moliner conveyed the importance of ultrasound studies to uterine contraction assessment in patients who suffer from recurrent implantation failure.

The Instituto Bernabeu gynaecologist participated in the theory and practical training course held on 9 and 10 December covering all aspects of ultrasound scans in the field of reproduction. The importance of using ultrasounds to give patients with fertility issues the best possible treatment, starting with the very first consultation and continuing through to early pregnancy, was highlighted at the event.

Given that current technology is increasingly precise and facilitates timely and accurate ultrasound studies, the very latest tools were used on the course. During her presentation to experts, Dr Moliner underscored the importance of high-precision 3D and 4D ultrasound scans that doctors can use for enhanced-precision imaging during diagnosis of pathologies and malformations in the uterus.

In her address entitled 4D Ultrasound as a Method to Assess Uterine Peristalsis and Diagnose Implantation Failure, Dr Moliner stressed that ‘four-dimensional ultrasounds give specialists a dynamic view of uterine contractions, including direction and frequency.’ The specialist demonstrated how high-resolution ultrasound imaging supports analysis of complex cases, such as patients with embryo implantation failure in which uterine factors can sometimes have an impact.

Dr Moliner explains that, in uterine contractility, observation using 4D ultrasound scans is superior to 2D imaging. ‘At Instituto Bernabeu, we assess contractility on the day of embryo transfer and have concluded that the greater the contractility, the lower the chances of gestation and the greater the presence of peristalsis associated with lower levels of progesterone. Also, hypercontractility is linked to replacement therapy compared with natural cycles in patients who are preparing for transfer of frozen embryos.’