Do you know what IMSI is?

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• published: 07 Oct 2011
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Like the ICSI, the IMSI technique consists of introducing a sperm into the egg. The biggest difference is that in the ICSI the visualization of the sperm is increased 400 times in the ICSI classic and up to 8000 times in the IMSI. This magnification of the sperm allows for the study of structures that conventional microscopes do not permit. To achieve this, it is necessary to use a microscope of high image quality associated with complex computer software allowing for the maneuvering of the microscope from the very computer. The selection of sperm is beneficial as it is includes the observation of diverse structures within the sperm head (vacuoles, for example) along with the selected sperm quality. Depending on the size and number of vacuoles, we can determine whether or not there is damage to the DNA chain of the sperm. If the chain is affected, the use of this sperm is not allowed so as to prevent an unsuccessful pregnancy. The IMSI microinjection technique, due to its innovation, high cost and need for experienced laboratory personnel, is not used in all assisted human reproduction laboratories. It is considered a therapeutic technique of wide clinical use, as well as a possibility for research projects in collaboration with university centers making it vital for the future of assisted reproduction. PGD Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a diagnostic technique that allows to detect embryo genetic abnormalities before the embryo is transferred to the uterus. PGD is performed by carrying out a biopsy on the embryo through a little hole in the pellucid zone. The obtained cell is analised in order to know the embryo genetics. PGD is recommended in all cases with possible risks of genetic abnormalities in the embryo. Aneuploidies detection The embryo transfer with genetic abnormalities can decrease the pregnancy rate and increase the miscarriage probability. Detecting those embryos can improve assisted reproduction results. PGD is recommended in all cases with a chromosomical risk for the embryo such as: •Couples with recurrent miscarriages. •Women of advanced age. •Implantation failure. •Genetic male factor. Sex linked diseases Some couples have a risk of transmitting chromosome X linked diseases. In those cases it is possible to analise sexual chromosomes in order to know the embryo's sex. Structural Chromosome Abnormalities Patients who are carriers of balanced translocations or robertsoinan translocations as well as chromosome inversions can generate abnormal embryos. In these cases Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is indicated. Monogenic diseases Some genetic disease transmissions can be avoided by applying Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis to embryos obtained in a reproductive assisted cycle. Some of these diseases are cistic fibrosis, beta talassemia or some muscular dystrophies Single embryo transfer The successful assisted reproduction treatment results in a successful pregnancy (in reproductive terms called the "child at home"). On many occasions, up to 2 or 3 embryos are transferred in order to increase the possibilities of pregnancy, which also increases the possibility of multiple pregnancies with the consequent risks associated to mother and fetuses. In order to avoid multiple pregnancies, there is a transfer program of a sole embryo applied to special cases. This program consists of maintaining the embryos in long term culture until their development up to the blastocyte stage. The benefit of long term culture (whose transfer is completed on the fifth day after the ovarian puncture) lies in the fact that it produces a natural selection of those embryos that are not successful from a developmental point of view. The procedure is carried out under extremely controlled culture conditions, observing the individualized embryos in order to obtain all of the necessary information to select those embryos which have the greatest probability of implantation. Our sole embryo transfer program is another area where we dedicate a great deal of effort through research projects of clinical application to improve and optimize the procedure.