Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
109 Conner Drive Suite 2200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 968-4656

Tubal Ligation Reversal Blog

Untying tied tubes: Hulka clips

Hulka Clip Sterilization

One common form of female sterilization is the use of Hulka clips to block the fallopian tubes. The Hulka clip was approved for use in the United States in the 1970’s and was invented in Chapel Hill, North Carolina by Dr. Jaroslav Hulka at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Hulka clip in the laparoscopic applicator.The Hulka clip is a small, gold plated stainless steel spring loaded clip. The clip in introduced into the abdominal cavity via a laparoscopic clip applicator. This image shows the open clip in the applicator and the tip of the laparoscope with its fiber optic lighted end. When the clip is placed across the fallopian tube, it is closed and a small spring holds the clip firmly across the tube. The Hulka clip has the advantage of damaging only a very small portion of the fallopian tube- approximately 7mm (the thickness of three quarters stacked on each other).

Hulka clip closed across the fallopian tube.The Hulka clip causes bilateral tubal occlusion by squeezing a very small portion of the tube. The squeezed portion is deprived of its blood supply and eventually undergoes avascular necrosis (dies and is absorbed by the body). This causes the fallopian tube to be divided in half and the two ends to close up. The Hulka clip is held in place between the two divided tubal segments by a small amount of scar tissue which forms within the clip.

Hulka Clip Reversal

A common misconception is that the Hulka clips can simply be opened to reverse the sterilization process - that the tubes can be unclipped. Unfortunately, tubal ligation reversal for Hulka clips is not as simple as opening the clips. Hulka clip tubal occlusion is reversed by removing the section of the tube with the clip across it and then, using microsurgical techniques, joining the remaining tube segments back together in perfect alignment.

Tubal reversal of Hulka clip tubal occlusion is better than for most other methods of sterilization because such a minimal amount of tube is destroyed in the occlusion process. Approximately 76% of patients at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center become pregnant after a reversal of a Hulka clip sterilization procedure.

Common Misconception About Tied Tubes

Tying tubes like tying a shoe lace.Many patients seem to imagine the fallopian tube is like a shoe lace which is tied up like a bow to prevent pregnancy. As tubal ligation reversal specialists, we wish it were that easy- then untying tied tubes would be easier!

‘Tying ones fallopian tubes’ is a common language phrase used to describe several different surgical procedures which result in sterilization (a procedure intended to permanently prevent pregnancy). The more correct medical term is bilateral (both sides) tubal occlusion (closure of the fallopian tube).

There are many different ways to occlude (close) the fallopian tubes: ligation and resection (tying and cutting), clips and rings, and coagulation (burning). No matter how the procedure is done the end result causes the tube to close, heal shut, and prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg.

Tubal Sterilization is Reversible

Many people believe tubal sterilization is permanent and irreversible. Although Hulka clip sterilization is intended to be permanent, this procedure is ideal for tubal reversal. The Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is the one medical facility which specializes in tubal ligation reversal.

We have become experts in reversing all types of tubal ligations- or ‘untying’ tubes that have been ‘tied’!

Submitted by Dr. Charles Monteith

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

13 Responses to “Untying tied tubes: Hulka clips”

  1. Julia Smith RN Says:

    This is very clear information to help illustrate what occurs with the clip technique and reversal of this type of sterilization. It also clears up the misconception that the clip can simply be removed to open or “untie the tubes”.

  2. Dr. Berger Says:

    Whenever I read about the Hulka clip, I think of Dr. Hulka, one of my influential professors when I was an ob/gyn resident. Dr. Hulka stimulated my interest in the fallopian tube and tubal reconstructive surgery.

  3. jgokun Says:

    Thank you Dr. Monteith for the very informative blog about Hulka clip ligations. This will be a great resource to show patients who have had the Hulka clip ligation so they can understand a little better what they had done and how it can be reversed.

  4. Ericka Pamplin Says:

    Thank you, Dr. Monteith!

  5. Rhonda Brown RN Says:

    I think that this information will be helpful to women as they are researching tubal reversal surgery. Information is always the key to making an informed decision.

  6. Myrna White Says:

    Thank You Dr. Berger and Dr. Monteith, by explaining the types of tubal sterilization. Maybe when women are asked if they want their “tubes tied” they can let the physician know what type they prefer.So if they want reversal surgery they will have some idea of what takes place.

  7. Pamela Mills CRNA Says:

    These are great illustrations and descriptions! And, like the Filshe Clip, makes for a very nice tubal reversal!

  8. Matt Murphy ST Says:

    The Hulka clip is an amazing invention and has helped so much as far as tying and untying tubes goes. It does its job at preventing pregnancies but is so good to reverse or “untie” and has the best results.
    Thank you, Dr. Hulka!

  9. Jan Hoyle RN Says:

    This is another excellent example of the extent CHSC staff take to inform and provide education for the public regarding tubal reversal.

  10. Sarah Meachem RN Says:

    Thank you for the information and pictures, Dr. Monteith. It definitely helps to see an illustration of the Hulka clips!

  11. Stephanie Duncan RN Says:

    Pictures are always helpful for patients. It makes the process so much easier to understand. Thanks Dr. Monteith.

  12. Kathy Sronce ST Says:

    Thank you, Dr. Monteith, for explaining the various sterilization procedures available to women to help them make an informative decision on the possibility of a future tubal reversal. It’s nice to know there are choices available of sterilization procedures that are less damaging to the fallopian tube.

  13. Tanya Says:

    I’m one of the lucky 76% that got pg after having a reversal with Hulka clips. :) I’m thanking Dr.Hulka as well!

Leave a Reply





Related Posts:
  • Untying Tied Tubes: Filshie Clip Sterilization
  • Untying Tied Tubes: Bipolar Electrocoagulation
  • Untying Tied Tubes: Falope Ring Sterilization
  • Untying Tied Tubes: Tubal Ligation and Resection
  • Why Women Get Tied Tubes Untied
  • Pregnancy Announcements | Daily News | Latest Additions | Press | Privacy Policy | MD News | Mission Statement | Site Map | Español
    Website updated October 6th, 2008 Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center© Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
    109 Conner Drive Suite 2200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 968-4656
       Tubal Reversal News

    http://www.tubal-reversal.net/includes/footer.php  was last modified on September 7th, 2008 21:16:23

    109 Conner Drive Suite 2200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 968-4656