Additional Advanced Technologies

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is performed as part of your IVF
(in vitro fertilization) procedure. It is a process in which a single sperm
is injected into the cytoplasm (center) of each egg by an embryologist
(a specialist in egg fertilization) and is often used in the cases of male
factor and/or diminished egg quality. Learn more

Assisted Hatching (AH)

Assisted Hatching is a procedure performed prior to transfer in selected cases. An embryo needs to escape or "hatch" from it's protein shell, called the Zona Pellucida, before it can implant in the uterus. In AH, a chemical or a laser can be used to dissolve part of the zona, to facilitate the hatching process later. This technique is often used with prior failed IVF cycles, female age over 38, and with abnormally thick zonae.

Percutaneous Epidydimal Sperm Aspiration and Testicular Sperm Extraction (PESA and TESE)

Some men have no sperm in the ejaculate but still produce them in the testes. This may occur due to a vasectomy, to a congenital obstruction of the sperm ducts leaving the testes, or to inadequate development of the sperm such that they cannot leave the testes. In these situations, a urologist can remove sperm by placing a needle into the testis or the tubes that drain it. These procedures are done under anesthesia and can be very effective when combined with ICSI.

Cryopreservation

Embryos that are not transferred but continue to thrive in the laboratory can be cryopreserved (frozen). We recommend freezing for any high quality embryos that survive to the blastocyst stage. These embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen and can be thawed at a later date. While the pregnancy rates with frozen embryos are not as high, the procedures involved in preparing for a frozen embryo transfer are much simpler and less expensive. Freezing only embryos that survive to the blastocyst stage maximizes the chance for success in a thaw cycle.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Genetic testing on preimplantation embryos may be indicated for
patients who are at risk for genetic disorders such as Cystic fibrosis or Thalassemia and for patients with infertility related to chromosomal abnor-malities such as recurrent pregnancy loss or repeated unsuccessful IVF. Learn more.

Egg Donation

In many situations, especially when a female patient is in her late 30's and early 40's, infertility may result from a decrease in ovarian function and a consequent fall in egg quality. In the event of a severe compromise in ovarian function, successful pregnancy is very unlikely. A treatment that often offers an excellent chance of success is to use eggs from a donor who is capable of producing good quality eggs. This is a complex treatment option from medical, psychological and ethical viewpoints, but one that provides a very good chance for pregnancy.

Typical IVF Cycle

In the IVF Lab