IVF + ICSI with Optical Spindle View

Overview

IVF and ICSI with Optical Spindle View is form of fertility treatment that uses a specialized technique to select a healthy embryo for facilitating fertility. The procedures of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) follow fertilizing an egg and a sperm in a laboratory dish and developing a cultured embryo to be planted into the woman’s womb.

Before placing the embryo, the embryologist carries out optical spindle view technique to avoid placing embryo with genetic risks. IVF and ICSI assisted Optical Spindle View offers an accurate way of selecting the right embryo with no genetic abnormalities to facilitate a more successful pregnancy compared to solely IVF and ICSI treatment.

Each egg retrieved from a woman has a mitotic spindle in it that helps in chromosome division in the egg. A damaged spindle leads to inaccurate chromosome division leading to failed pregnancy and miscarriage. It is not possible to spot the exact location of the spindle in an egg with the naked eye, thus increasing chances of the spindle getting damaged.

During the ICSI procedure, the embryologist makes sure that he does not damage the chromosome spindle when inserting needle into the eggs. It is done by a special way of holding the polar body of the egg in a way to spot the spindle. Otherwise, the development of computational and optical technology assisted by a machine (Poloscope), enables viewing the chromosome spindle clearly, thus preventing egg damage, increasing embryo formation rates, increasing fertilization rate, and improving the embryo quality.

The Poloscope functions by making use of optical deviation of light waves to allow it to pass through the egg under the microscope. After evaluating the deviation on a computer, the embryologist locates the spindle. Thus, the machine allows a thorough screening of the egg to understand its genetic qualities and if it is suitable for fertilization.

A healthy sperm is used to inject it into the matured egg through the ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) technique to allow them to fuse together. The cultured embryo is then placed into the woman’s uterus to aid pregnancy, There are a few preparations before IVF and ICSI that need to be taken.

Before the Treatment

• The woman consults with the doctor regarding her health condition, whether she has any health issues and the types of medicines she is taking. The doctor determines her treatment plan based upon her health. She is asked to stop smoking and drinking alcohol for at least a month before the treatment.
• She is prescribed fertility drugs to help are ovulate. The drugs help to boost follicles inside the eggs, thus producing healthy ova.
• After taking matured ova (eggs) from the woman, they are studied for optical spindle view. The presence of Miotic spindle in an egg allows dividing the 23 chromosomes in it. During the ICSI procedure, there are chances of damaging the chromosome spindles. Therefore, the doctors use a special type of machine, called Poloscope to shine optical deviation of light waves through the egg.
• The deviation is studied on a computer screen to assess the maturity of the egg by evaluating the higher resolution images of the spindle. Any abnormality of the spindle is instantly annulled since this leads to higher risks of chromosomal abnormalities of embryos. With the aid of the machine, embryologists distinguish healthy embryos from the riskier ones.
• Once the doctor readies the matured egg, he uses ‘Sperm Slow’ technique to retrieve healthy sperm with normal DNA from the male partner or a donor. He then uses the ICSI procedure to inject the healthy sperm into a matured egg separately in a laboratory dish.
• After a few days when the sperm and the egg have formed into a cultured embryo through the procedure of In Vitro Fertilization, it is planted into the womb of the woman.

How it is performed

This is how IVF and ICSI Spindle Optical View is performed:

• The woman is asked to lie down with her head up and legs spread apart. The doctor then gently inserts a catheter filled with the embryo through the vagina and the cervix into the uterus.
• The embryo is released that gets stuck to the inner lining of the womb. The thicker the lining, the easier it is for the embryo to grow. When the embryo grows normally, the woman become pregnant.

Recovery

After the embryo is released in her womb, the woman may feel a little pain or cramping for a few hours. The recovery of IVF and ICSI Spindle Optical View is quick and short and the woman feels better after a couple of hours after the procedure. She is sent home the same day and is asked to take rest. On the next day, she can resume with normal activities without any problem.

Generally, she is advised not to engage in any strenuous activities. During the period of pregnancy, the woman usually suffers from anxiety. In case of persistent pain or cramping, she should visit with the doctor.