The function of a hysterosalpingography catheter

Hysterosalpingography catheter is a key instrument used in hysterosalpingography (HSG) procedures. Simply put, its core function is to act as a precise delivery channel, allowing for imaging of the uterus and fallopian tubes under X-ray or ultrasound guidance.Its main functions can be broken down into the following steps and objectives:

1. Establishing a channel: The catheter is inserted into the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervix, establishing a stable and closed injection pathway for subsequent procedures.

2.Precise delivery of contrast agent: This is the catheter's primary function. Through the catheter, the doctor can slowly and controllably inject iodine-containing liquid contrast agent (under X-ray) or special ultrasound contrast agent (under ultrasound) into the uterine cavity.

3.Controlling pressure and flow rate: The catheter is connected to a syringe, allowing the doctor to precisely control the pressure and speed of contrast agent injection, ensuring that the contrast agent smoothly fills the uterine cavity and flows into the fallopian tubes.

The catheter itself is a tool; the contrast agent delivered through it is the imaging agent. Together, they achieve the following key diagnostic values:

1. Assessment of uterine cavity morphology: The contrast agent first fills the uterine cavity, clearly displaying the size and shape of the uterus, any deformities (such as a septate uterus), any space-occupying lesions (such as submucosal fibroids or polyps), and any intrauterine adhesions.

2. Assessment of fallopian tube patency:
• Patent: The contrast agent will pass smoothly through the entire fallopian tube and diffuse into the pelvic cavity.
• Blocked: The contrast agent will stop at the blockage site (such as the interstitial, isthmic, or fimbrial end) and will not enter the pelvic cavity.
• Partially blocked: The contrast agent passes slowly, diffuses poorly, or there is local retention.

3. Observe the diffusion of the contrast agent in the pelvic cavity: Patent fallopian tubes will release the contrast agent into the pelvic cavity. By observing whether the diffusion is uniform within the pelvic cavity, one can indirectly determine whether there are adhesions in the pelvis.

The fallopian tube hysterosalpingography catheter acts as a bridge connecting external manipulation with internal imaging.

• It acts like a precise bridge, safely and accurately delivering the contrast agent to the target area (the entrance of the uterine cavity).
• It acts like a controllable valve, allowing the doctor to control the flow rate and pressure of the contrast agent, avoiding discomfort or false results caused by excessive pressure.
• Ultimately, the imaging results achieved through the catheter provide doctors with valuable image information about uterine morphology and fallopian tube function, making it an important diagnostic tool for evaluating the causes of female infertility (especially fallopian tube and uterine cavity factors).