Dr. Neelam Banerjee
Significant technological advancements in the field of fertility treatments have led to remarkable improvements in the success rates and safety of Artificial Reproductive Techniques (ART). Among these techniques, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has emerged as a micro-assisted fertilization procedure commonly performed in clinical settings for over two decades.
In traditional IVF procedures, thousands of motile sperm are mixed with each egg in a dish for insemination, with the expectation that the sperm and eggs will interact through biochemistry. However, in cases where either the egg or sperm factors are deficient, only a few eggs become fertilized after incubation. ICSI, on the other hand, offers significant advantages in cases of Oligozoospermia (low sperm count), Teratozoospermia (abnormal sperm morphology), and Sperm Transport Disorder, where sperm production is sufficient in numbers but with reduced motility, quality, and concentration.
Revolutionizing the ICSI Technique
ICSI has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility. When combined with the IVF procedure, the requirement for viable sperm for egg fertilization has dropped from hundreds to only one sperm. This breakthrough has led to the development of aggressive new techniques that utilize artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, Laser Assisted Hatching, and robotic ICSI procedures to improve outcomes by selecting the best sperms and embryos.
Artificial Intelligence: Currently under clinical trial, artificial intelligence-based technology shows promising results in identifying the best embryo based on its growth pattern. This technique involves an AI system reviewing a massive amount of data, analyzing hundreds of images of each embryo, and predicting the likelihood of each embryo developing into a viable fetus. The embryo with the highest score, indicating the highest potential for leading to a viable fetus, can then be selected for transfer.
Robotic Technology and Nanobots: Automation in ICSI through robotic and nanotechnology has introduced a novel technique for real-time analysis of oocyte penetration. Nanobots are released in nanotechnology to select and transport the best sperm cell until it penetrates the egg, facilitating the implantation of a healthy embryo in the uterus. Robotic-assisted ICSI involves visual tracking of a single sperm, robotic immobilization of the sperm, aspiration of sperm with picoliter volume, and insertion of sperm into an oocyte with a high degree of reproducibility. These techniques require minimal human involvement, and several successful trials have reported success rates above 90% and a survival rate of 90.7%.
Laser Assisted Hatching: In cases where embryo implantation to the uterus is not successful due to sporadic reasons, a procedure called laser-assisted hatching can be performed on the selected embryo before implantation. This technique creates a small opening on the outer layer of the embryo, which facilitates better implantation to the endometrium, especially when the outer layer thickens abnormally.
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an ART that involves controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization with sperm in a laboratory, and subsequent transfer of the resulting embryos into the uterus. The embryos are cultured in the laboratory for 3-5 days. With advancements such as ICSI, Blastocyst culture, Laser Assisted Hatching, and TESE (testicular sperm extraction), IVF has become a highly refined treatment option.
While it is essential to provide special care and attention throughout the IVF process and during pregnancy, it is important to note that pregnancy resulting from IVF is just as precious and requires equal precautions as natural conception. With the availability of experienced experts, doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, there is no need to panic for those who have conceived through IVF. Motherhood is a precious gift for all women, including those who have undergone fertility treatments.
The IVF Centre at Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida, is committed to providing affordable, reliable, and transparent treatment to couples facing fertility issues. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and managed by experts, the center aims to address the specific health concerns of women in different age groups.
Author Bio: Dr. Neelam Banerjee is a Senior Consultant in Gynecology endoscopy & IVF at Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida.
