An interventional study of Needle Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture in Embryo Implantation, sponsored by Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey. Completed at 2 sites in United States. Open to female participants aged 18 Years to 45 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2016-06-28.
Sponsored by Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study evaluated whether laser acupuncture at the time of embryo transfer (following in vitro fertilization) improves implantation rates. Patients were randomized to one of 4 groups at the time of embryo transfer: 1) laser acupuncture, 2) needle acupuncture, 3) sham laser acupuncture, 4) no treatment.
Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey is the lead sponsor of 54 studies on the registry; 8 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Exclusion Criteria:
Sterile, disposable needles were inserted into specific acupoints until Deqi sensation was elicited. The needles were retained for 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer.
Procedure: Needle Acupuncture
Each point was stimulated with a laser (Luminex Laser Therapy System: Medical Laser Systems, Branford, CT) set at 5 joules/cm2 (J/cm2) in continuous mode for 0.10 seconds. Based on various studies, a minimum of 4 J/cm2 produces an improved circulatory effect.
Procedure: Laser Acupuncture
However, support staff uninvolved in the design of the trial or analysis of the data disarmed the machine, such that no laser irradiation was emitted. This system created an illusion for both the patient and the acupuncturist, and allowed for a truly double blinded control group.
Procedure: Sham Laser Acupuncture
This control group was not exposed to any additional physical contact or acupuncture related protocol. They were only exposed to dim light and calming music before and after embryo transfer, mimicking the natural waiting room and procedure room setting for all patients undergoing embryo transfer.
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Implantation rate
Number of gestational sacs seen on ultrasound per embryo transferred
Time frame: Approximately 2 weeks after embryo transfer
Clinical pregnancy rate
Number of pregnancies per embryo transfer procedure
Time frame: Approximately 3 weeks after embryo transfer
Live birth rate
Number of deliveries of at least on live newborn per embryo transfer procedure
Time frame: 40 weeks after intervention
This study is completed, as verified in Jun 2016. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey