Micromanipulation / Intra
Cytoplasmic
Sperm Injection (I.C.S.I)
In this procedure, oocyte is prepared by removing its outer coat of
cells called the cumulus complex. Once laid bare, the oocyte is held
gently by a holding pipette under an inverted microscope. The sperm that
has been prepared for microinjection is injected through a very fine
micropipette into the cytoplasm (body) of the oocyte. The holding
pipette is 20 times thinner than human hair and the injecting pipette is
60 times thinner than human hair. The egg itself is no bigger than the
tip of a pin. The microinjected egg is returned to the incubator and
checked the following day for fertilization. Micromanipulation is
required for couples with very low sperm counts or zero count (azoospermia),
very little or complete lack of motility and abnormal shape of the
sperm. Its use is extended to women with advancing age, women suffering
from endometriosis and those with immunological and unexplained
infertility.
