Micromanipulation/Intra Cytoplasm Sperm Injection
In this procedure, the oocyte is prepared by removing its outer coat of cells called the cumulus complex. Once laid bare, the oocyte is gently held by a holding pipette under inverted microscope.
The sperm prepared for microinjection is injected through a very fine micropipette into the cytoplasm of the oocyte. The holding pipette is 20 times thinner than the human hair, while the injection 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 ideally suited for cases of very low sperm counts or zero count (azoospermia), very little motility or complete lack of motility, and abnormal shape and size of the sperm. Its use is extended to women with advancing age, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility.