  
One of the newest and most exciting developments in the reproductive
field is the application of micromanipulation. This technique involves
the use of an elaborate microscope with hydraulically and electronically
controlled instruments which allow eggs and embryos to be seen easily
and treated. The most widespread use of micromanipulation involves
a procedure called ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection). This
technique allows for the direct insertion of one sperm cell into the
cytoplasm of the egg to achieve fertilization. It is most often used
to overcome male related infertility where the sperm count may be
very low.
In addition to ICSI, a common application of micromanipulation is a technique termed "assisted zone hatching". This technique involves holding the embryo with the micromanipulator and dissolving a small area of the membrane which surrounds the embryo. This allows the embryo to "hatch" more easily and thereby give it an improved chance to attach to the uterine wall. A third use
of the micromanipulator involves a technique termed "pre-implantation
genetic diagnosis", which involves removal of one cell from
an embryo so that the genetics of that embryo may be quickly ascertained.
In this way, only healthy, genetically "normal" embryos
are returned to the patient's uterus. This technique is being used
more often over the past few years, but technical difficulties in
performing the procedure, as well as expense have limited it's application
somewhat. |
