New Bipolar Radiofrequency Sealing Tool for Transdermal Vasectomy in the Rabbit Model: A Paradigm Shift in Vasectomy Technique?

Authors: Henry, Gerard, Griggs, Ryan, Jones, LeRoy, Hakky, Tariq

Key Words: Vasectomy, Transdermal, Bipolar, Radiofrequency, Sterilization

There has been no advancement in the vasectomy technique since the ‘no scalpel’ technique was introduced approximately 50 years ago. In this video, we introduce a new bipolar radiofrequency sealing tool for transdermal vasectomy in hopes of making the procedure a faster, simpler, and safer office procedure. Reduction in complications, time of procedure, and return to work/activity may relieve male anxiety and thus, aid in shifting the burden of sterilization from women. Radiofrequency ablation has been used successfully in the treatment of many areas in the human body including sealing of larger blood vessels, nerve pain ablation, and percutaneously for management of malignant small renal masses less than 3cm. We apply this technology in a transdermal fashion to achieve coagulative necrosis of the vas and to use the patient’s own collagen as a seal. Bench top device testing has been successful in rabbits with excellent wound healing, complete vas occlusion on histology, and no sperm in post procedural semen analysis. The video outlines the procedure in both an animated human and live rabbit demonstration. Although, further studies and FDA-approval are needed before its application in humans.

Acknowledgement: Signati Medical

Disclosures:
Research funded by Signati Medical
Gerard Henry: Coloplast, Boston Sci, Signati, Endo, Pfizer, Irrimax
Ryan Griggs: Research support from Irrimax, Coloplast
LeRoy Jones: Coloplast, Boston Sci, Signati
Tariq Hakky: Coloplast, Signati

References:

Leavesley, JH. Brief history of vasectomy, Fam Plann Inf Serv, 1980; 5: 2-3
Raspa, RF. Complications of vasectomy, AM Fam Physician, 1993; 7: 1264-8