The technique for human embryo transfer at Tygerberg Hospital.

From 1 May 1984 to 30 April 1985 177 laparoscopies were performed; 684 oocytes were obtained and a fertilization rate of 85% per oocyte achieved. There was a pregnancy rate of 24.3% per embryo transfer (ET) and 20.9% per laparoscopy after 152 patients were subjected to ET. The ET technique at Tygerberg Hospital, using the Tomcat catheter, is described. An introducer--the FT introducer--designed to overcome technical difficulties in selected patients in passing the Tomcat catheter is described. Technical problems are easily overcome with this introducer. In 26 patients (17.1%) ET was performed using this instrument and 8 pregnancies resulted (a pregnancy rate of 30.7% per ET). This pregnancy rate indicates the value of the instrument.