Can an alternative type of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) improve fertilisation?

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

This study is assessing whether or not an alternative intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique (PIEZO ICSI) in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment results in improved embryo fertilisation and utilisation rates. We hypothesis that as PIEZO ICSI is a gentler insemination method we will see increased fertilisation and embryo utilisation rates following PIEZO ICSI compared with conventional ICSI.

Zander-Fox D, Green M, Watson K, Turner R, Bakos HW, Foo J, Pacella-Ince L, Caddy M, McPherson NO, Rombauts L.

2024-01-234 citations

10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.01.028

Interventions

PIEZO ICSI is an alternative ICSI method that utilises ultra-fast drilling coupled with a blunt-ended capillary to drill through the eggs membranes, without forced penetration. It is therefore, thought to be a more ‘gentle approach’ than conventional ICSI. No additional requirements outside of the patients standard assisted reproductive technology treatment will be required by participants. The intervention is administered ex-vivo (in the embryology laboratory) by the embryologist performing the

PIEZO ICSI is an alternative ICSI method that utilises ultra-fast drilling coupled with a blunt-ended capillary to drill through the eggs membranes, without forced penetration. It is therefore, thought to be a more ‘gentle approach’ than conventional ICSI. No additional requirements outside of the patients standard assisted reproductive technology treatment will be required by participants. The intervention is administered ex-vivo (in the embryology laboratory) by the embryologist performing the insemination of sperm and eggs. Embryologist will monitor the development of the embryos through specific timed observations to ensure normal embryo growth following PIEZO ICSI.

Study design

Allocation

Non-randomised trial

Intervention model

Other

Primary purpose

Treatment

Masking

Open (masking not used)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

18 Years to 50 Years

Healthy volunteers

No

Inclusion criteria

1. Any patient for whom ICSI is the clinical management instruction will be eligible where the semen collection method is ejaculation. 2. Patients with equal to or greater than 6 mature eggs for injection post egg retrieval.

Exclusion criteria

1. Cycles involving frozen or surgical retrieved sperm.

Outcome results