Adiana Procedure & IUD Safety: Understanding Compatibility

Question
There seems to be conflicting information online amongst practitioners about whether an IUD can stay in place for the Adiana Procedure. (Even with Essure, removal was required by some but others say it is not essential unless it affects placement of the coils and the benefit of retaining either a Copper IUD or an IUS Mirena provides the added benefit of contraception for the 3 month waiting period without disruption).

The Adiana however does use low levels of bipolar radio frequency (<3 Watts) to create a lesion in the intramural section of each fallopian tube (500 microns in depth and <1cm in length). Some practitioners are saying that earlier information is outdated now and that as the energy is very low and very specifically directed and controlled, there is (like the Essure) no need for removal of either Copper or Progestin releasing IUDs unless there is a placement problem.

Do you know if there is any official medical protocol about whether Copper IUDs need to actually be removed for the Adiana Procedure, or do practitioners/patients have a choice about this? If I have a choice I would be happy to keep mine in for the 3 month waiting period.

Answer
I am not able to find any specific protocol regarding whether IUDs need to be removed for the Adiana procedure.  I think if you can find a doctor who has considerable experience with doing the Adiana procedure, I would go by his/her judgment regarding the IUD.  The Adiana procedure was only approved in the US in July 2009, and it will likely take more time and experience before we can say whether it's safe to retain an IUD.  I would be concerned that it would be in the way while doing the procedure, but I haven't performed The Adiana procedure, so I would defer to those with experience.