IMSI: Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection
A new technique has recently been developed within the in vitro fertilization (IVF) field. This technique complements the already classic intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and has been named IMSI (intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection).
IMSI is a real-time method where sperms are selected before the microinjection takes place. This is done using an inverted microscope that is able to provide a much greater magnifying power (around 6000 times) than those that are normally used in reproductive laboratories (200 times) to carry out the ICSI.
The higher rate of magnification allows for a view of the internal morphology of the spermatozoids invisible to conventional inverted microscopes and makes it possible to avoid choosing those that show anomalies on this level and that might compromise the success of the treatment.
The technique has been tested on men that have serious sperm anomalies and also in cases of repeated miscarriages as well as repeated IVF failures. At the moment it is considered an investigative technique rather than a regular technique to be used in all cases, taking into account that neither its usefulness, nor its correct indications have been completely established. The information that has been published so far does indicate, however, that the technique has a promising future.
The EUGIN clinic can provide this new technique. Even if it is not used as a routine procedure for all in vitro fertilization cycles with ICSI at the moment, it has been used in some specific cases after detailed discussions between the Centre’s medical team and the patients in question.