Utility of Fallopian Tube Cocultures in Assisted Reproductive Technology
Utility of Fallopian Tube Cocultures in Assisted Reproductive Technology
Prospective Feasibility Study:

 Fallopian tube cells will be obtained from patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery during
 their surgical evaluation of infertility. Of note, these patients are already scheduled to
 undergo surgery as part of their standard of care.
The surgical technique will involve laparoscopic brush and tissue biopsies of the fallopian
 tube lumen. A small piece of the fallopian tube lining will be removed during the surgery.The
 biopsy is a minimally invasive and relatively pain free procedure. Co culture blood serum
 will be drawn at least one day prior to the biopsy and during the IVF cycle. The fallopian
 tube sample is sent to the Center for Reproductive Medicine (CRM) lab where it is treated,
 purified and frozen. The next month or whenever the physician deems appropriate, the patient
 will then undergo a typical IVF cycle and will be given standard medication protocol
 determined by her physician to stimulate egg growth in her ovaries. The patient's eggs will
 be retrieved and mixed with sperm. At this time, the lab will begin to thaw and grow the
 fallopian tube cells. Once fertilization is confirmed, the patient's embryos will be placed
 on top of her own (now thawed) fallopian tube cells and allowed to grow. Subsequently, the
 embryos will be placed on top of her uterus for implantation and pregnancy.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Women undergoing assisted reproductive technology at Weill Cornell Medical College
 (WCMC) and are scheduled to undergo surgery as part of their standard of care

 -  Women who had a prior failed IVF cycle

 -  Women with normal Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or a prior laparoscopy confirming normal
 tubal status

 -  Both the patient (potential subject) and her partner must sign the consent form

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Pregnancy

 -  Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

 -  Fallopian tube disease