Aim: Uterine transplantation (UTx) is proposed for treatment of uterine factor infertility. Our aim was to assess whether Endoscopic Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis (eLASCA) could evaluate pelvic blood flow at anastomotic sites required for sheep and rabbit UTx. Results/methodology: eLASCA detected blood flow in rabbit UTx #7 and #9. In sheep UTx #2, #3 and #5, the results allowed us to conclude that blood flow was present in the uterine graft following transplantation; and post-UTx, the animal had heart and respiratory rates, and oxygen saturation compatible with a normal hemodynamic status. Conclusion: These preliminary results establish the potential of Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis as noncontact and real-time tool for observation of spatially-resolved blood flow from which other parameters can be derived.
Lay abstract Transplanting wombs into women has been offered as a potential solution to treat women who have had them removed previously or who were born without one. A major problem of the surgery that one may face is how to ensure good blood flow within those vessels supplying the womb. Our aim here therefore was to describe a technology known as Endoscopic Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis, which may offer a solution. The experiments were performed in two types of animals, rabbit and sheep. The use of Endoscopic Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis is the first case in gynecology and has demonstrated promise of possible future human use.