Simple & Effective
The Filshie Clip has a very low failure rate of approximately 2.7 per 1,000 as an interval procedure. Surgical clips have the lowest incidence of ectopic pregnancy after surgical contraception. The use of the Filshie Clip totally eliminates the risk of any bowel burns. The silicone lined jaws clip over the Fallopian tube with only rare reports of mesosalpingeal trauma. Due to the unique design there is virtually no risk of tubal transection. There are very few clip related adhesions, and these are rarely of any clinical significance.Minimal tubal damage
The Filshie Clip destroys approximately 4 mm of the Fallopian tube - less than non-clip methods. This enables surgical reanastomosis to be performed with minimal resection which enables easy approximation of tubal segments of equal calibre.STEP ONE
The Filshie Clip is applied across the entire diameter of the tube with the hooked end of the lower jaw usually visible through the mesosalpinx. Prior to application the Clip and applicator can be used as a manipulator to identify the tubes properly and ensure correct placement of each clip before final closure.
STEP TWO
The Filshie Clip is placed in the appropriate position across the Fallopian tube - (isthmic portion, 1 to 3 cm from the cornu). The upper jaw of the clip is then compressed, flattened and locked under the hooked end of the lower jaw.
STEP THREE
Once the Filshie Clip has been completely compressed the single load applicator is withdrawn. The second Filshie Clip is then loaded into the applicator and is applied to the other Fallopian tube.
When tubal necrosis occurs the compressed silicone expands to maintain complete occlusion of the lumen. The tube eventually divides leaving two healed stumps which tend to separate. The Filshie Clip usually remains attached to the 'ghost' tissue within it and usually becomes covered with a thin layer of peritoneum. If peritonealisation of the clip is slow, the clips may become detached and migrate to the omentum or other parts of the pelvis. This has been shown to be of little clinical significance.
Versatile
The unique hinged design of the Filshie Clip enables tubal manipulation. The Fallopian tube can be pulled up, manipulated and released several times before final closure. This can ensure that the surgeon has positioned the Filshie Clip correctly thus minimising surgical errors. The Clip over the tube should be inspected both front and back to ensure that the tube is totally within the jaws and is confluent with the fimbria.
Comfort
The Filshie Clip causes significantly less postoperative pain and significantly lessens the need for postoperative analgesia, compared to rings. The Filshie Clip can be applied under local or general anaesthesia.Large tubal capacity
In post-partum and post-abortion cases, some women have thicker Fallopian tubes - typically a challenge to successful surgical contraception. The Filshie Clip's large tubal capacity and powerful applicators virtually eliminate the need for back-up surgery. Because of the Filshie Clip's unique design it is suitable for most of these cases. Should a Fallopian tube be too large for the clip another method of tubal occlusion should be employed.