An absorbable intravasal stent and a silicone intravasal reversible plug.

Vasovasotomy with absorbable intravasal stents and reversible intravasal plugs was evaluated in guinea pigs. The stents were made of either starch collagen or polyester. The reversible plugs had removable stainless steel or nylon pins. The starch stents were completely absorbed within 2 weeks and the collage stents were absorbed within 2 months. Patency of the vasa was confirmed by asogram in both g roups. 9 of 12 animals became azoospermic on the average 18 weeks aft er insertion of the stainless steel device. Approximately 33 weeks after removal of the pin 5 of 9 animals successfully impregnated females. Azoospermia was observed in all 5 animals receiving plugs with nylon pins. 2 of these animals were able to impregnate females about 18 weeks after removal of the nylon pin. Animals receiving intravasal plugs without pins did not become azoospermic and had an 80% successful breeding rate. A moderate inflammatory reaction of the vasa around the plug was observed.