Goal: To nonsurgically collect (flush) embryos from the donor for transfer.

Reason: To recover viable embryos.


How: Before the procedure is started a local anesthetic is injected to cause relaxation of the rectum.  At day 6-8 a specialized catheter is inserted into the uterus.  The catheter has a small balloon that can be inflated to prevent retrograde flow of the flushing medium.  A  flushing medium is then introduced into the uterus, lavaged and then returned through the catheter to a collection vessel.  The ovary in the photo has ten-7 day CL.