Testing & Diagnostics
Medically reviewed by Norbert Gleicher, MD, FACOG, FACS - Written by CHR Staff - Updated on Apr 11, 2018
Wire Guide Canalization
When selective salpingography to remove a tubal obstruction does not work, wire guide canalization may be performed to make the fallopian tube patent. In this procedure, a thin, flexible wire is carefully threaded through a selective salpingography catheter, and passed directly inside a fallopian tube. This technique, which is analogous to using a plumber's "snake" to open a blocked drain, is another technique CHR physicians developed to open a blocked fallopian tube.
"Wire-guide canalization originated at CHR, where it was developed by Dr. Norbert Gleicher."
CHR's Medical Director, Dr. Gleicher, invented the concept of recanalizing obstructed fallopian tubes with catheters under x-ray guidance. Today, this is a technique widely practiced by radiologists.
Another use for this technique is to lower the tubal perfusion pressure (TPP) measurements in women with high levels. However, there is no convincing data that reducing TPP in this way allows these women to achieve a pregnancy rate similar to those who have a low TPP.
Norbert Gleicher, MD, FACOG, FACS
Norbert Gleicher, MD, leads CHR’s clinical and research efforts as Medical Director and Chief Scientist. A world-renowned specialist in reproductive endocrinology, Dr. Gleicher has published hundreds of peer-reviewed papers and lectured globally while keeping an active clinical career focused on ovarian aging, immunological issues and other difficult cases of infertility.