Reversible Mechanical Contraception And Endometriosis Treatment Using Stimuli‐responsive Hydrogels

Abstract Female sterilization via fallopian tube ligation is a common procedure. However, after the operation, over 10% of women seek re‐fertilization, which is frequently unsuccessful. In addition, there is evidence that fallopian tubes contribute to the spread of endometriotic tissue as they serve as channels for proinflammatory media entering the abdominal cavity via retrograde menstruation. Here, we present stimuli‐degradable hydrogel implants for the functional, biocompatible, and reversible occlusion of fallopian tubes. The hydrogel implants, designed with customized swelling properties, mechanically occlude fallopian tubes in a high‐performance manner with burst pressures reaching 255–558 mmHg, exceeding normal abdominal pressures (95 mmHg). Their damage‐free removal can be achieved within 30 minutes using near‐visible UV light or a glutathione solution, employing a method akin to standard fallopian tube perfusion diagnostics. We demonstrate ultrasound‐guided implant placement using a clinical hysteroscope in a human‐scale uterus model and biocompatibility in a porcine in vivo model. Importantly, the prevention of live sperm as well as endometrial cell passage through blocked fallopian tubes is demonstrated. Overall, we present a multifunctional system that constitutes a possible means of on‐demand, reversible contraception along with the first ever mechanical approach to abdominal endometriosis prevention and treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved