NEW YORK - The MediSys Health Network is now offering a new, minimally-invasive, pain-free alternative for women seeking a form of permanent birth control.  

The Essure system is a revolutionary non-incisional procedure and the first alternative to tubal ligation for women seeking permanent contraception in the United States. Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the Essure system is offered in a handful of hospitals in the New York  - Metropolitan area and all three hospitals in the MediSys Network ( Brookdale Hospital, Jamaica Hospital, and Flushing Hospital ) now offer it to our patients.  

It is estimated that 53 percent of all unintentional conceptions take place while the couple is using some form of contraception. The Essure system has a 99.8 effective rate, higher than other forms of permanent contraception such as tubal ligation or vasectomy.   The procedure is non-hormonal, reducing the risk of certain cancers and there is no risk of infection.   The average procedure time is approximately ten to 15 minutes and can be done on an out-patient basis without general anesthesia.   Unlike tubal ligation, there is no incision and recovery time is usually only 24 hours as opposed to the six days of recovery time required after tubal ligation.   Clinical trials show that 99 percent of women who had the Essure procedure reported their long-term comfort level as good, very good or excellent.

During the Essure procedure, a soft micro-insert is deployed into the fallopian tube using minimally invasive trans-cervical tubal access catheter. Once in place, Essure is designed to elicit tissue growth in and around the micro-insert to form a blockage in the fallopian tube.   After a twelve week period, the patient returns to confirm satisfactory placement and occlusion.

The medical staff at Jamaica , Flushing and Brookdale Hospitals has all received detailed training and they have performed dozens of procedures already.   Everyone is amazed at how easy it is to perform the procedure and its successful results.   According to Dr Wayne Cohen, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "The Essure procedure is one of the most exciting new family planning techniques to have come along in a long time. It has the highest success rate of all available permanent birth control methods, and is more quickly, simply and safely done than standard tubal ligation ("tube-tying") methods. It is an important advance in women's health care, and we are proud that JHMC has been the leader in providing this service to the women in the communities we serve."

To speak with medical staff and former patients about the Essure procedure, please call the MediSys Public Affairs Department at 718-206-6020.