Intracavitary deposits on Essure® hysteroscopic sterilization devices: A case report

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the composition of intracavitary deposits on Essure® hysteroscopic sterilization devices. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology department of a University Hospital. PATIENTS: A 39 years old patient presenting with a request for surgical removal of Essure® sterilization devices. Diagnostic hysteroscopy showed a crystal like white deposit attached to one of the devices. INTERVENTION: Diagnostic hysteroscopy and surgical removal of Essure® devices was performed. The deposits were collected and infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Chemical composition of the deposits attached to the device. RESULTS: Infrared spectroscopy of the material showed patterns conclusive with calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3). CONCLUSION: Until now, it is not clear if there is a relationship between reported complaints and formation of calcite deposits on Essure®. CAPSULE: Infrared spectroscopy of deposits on Essure® devices showed a pattern conclusive with calcite. The relationship between reported complaints and the formation of calcite deposits on Essure® remains unclear.