Human Genetics & Embryology

The Effect of Piezoelectric Stimulation in Patients with Low Fertilization Potential

Abstract

Volkan Baltaci, Yasemin Aktas, Evrim Unsal, Ozge Uner Ayvaz, Feriba Turhan Eryilmaz, Bilge Sinanoğlu Ekin, Sertaç Şen and Aysun Baltacı

Objective:
To assess the value of the electrical activation of oocytes in ICSI patients with previous limited fertilization outcomes.
Design:
Prospective randomized study.
Settings:
Clinical IVF laboratory.
Patient(s):
A hundred and seven couples undergoing ICSI with possible low fertilization outcomes.
Intervention(s):
TESE, TESA, ICSI with Piezoelectric Activation
Main Outcome Measure(s):
Fertilization, clinical pregnancy rates, embryo grades.
Result(s):
Patients were subdivided into six study groups. In Group I, testicular elongated spermatids were used and 27.9% fertilization, 2.3% clinical pregnancy rates were evaluated. In testicular immotile spermatozoa injected group (Group II), 56.5% fertilization and 50% clinical pregnancy rates were obtained. 66.7% fertilization and 30%clinical pregnancy rates were achieved in Group III with testicular motile spermatozoa. In Group IV, patients with severe oligozoospermia, 64% fertilization and 28.6% clinical pregnancy rates were achieved. Group V included patients with total immotile spermatozoa and fertilization and clinical pregnancy rates were 50% and 57.1% respectively. In patients with history of low fertilization rate (Group VI), 38.7% fertilization and 19% clinical pregnancy rates were obtained.
Conclusion(s):
Piezoelectric stimulation can be used for patients with low fertilization rates and total immotile spermatozoa; as we detected an improvement in the fertilization and clinical pregnancy rates of these patients.