Essure, a new permanent birth control procedure, is done with local anesthesia via hysteroscopy instead of open or laparoscopically. The surgeon inserts a polyester and metal implant in the fallopian tubes. Over the next three months, a tissue barrier develops, preventing sperm from reaching eggs. The company says the procedure takes about 35 minutes plus 45 minutes of recovery time. Company data shows the procedure is 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy after two years in patients with successful bilateral placement (which fails in about one in 10 patients). The procedure, which can be done in an ASC or office, has been granted temporary HCPCS code S2255. Supplies are $980 per case.

Conceptus
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