Intracytoplasmic Morphological selected as Sperm Injection (IMSI) technique was developed by Benjamin Baartoy in 2004. The aim of this technique is to select the best quality sperm and obtain high fertilization rates after microinjection. Good quality sperm and eggs will also affect embryo development and increase the chance of pregnancy.
Some sperm abnormalities can be identified with normal microscopes with a magnification of approximately 400-600. These microscopes are used in the microinjection (ICSI) technique, and in the IMSI technique, sperm selection is made with the help of a microscope with a lens system of approximately 6000 magnification. In this way, any abnormality in the head of the sperm that cannot be seen with a normal microscope can be detected and allows normal-looking sperm to be selected. In the presence of an abnormality in the head of the sperm, called a vacuole, which cannot be seen with a normal microscope, there may be damage to the DNA that carries genetic information, which may lead to abnormal embryo development. IMSI reduces the chance of sperm containing damaged DNA being released into the egg.
In which patient groups is IMSI recommended?
In men over 35 years of age
In patients with a high rate of abnormal sperm detected in the sperm test
In patients who could not obtain good quality embryos in previous applications despite good egg quality
Those with a history of previous unsuccessful treatment
Those with a history of miscarriage in previous pregnancies
To increase the fertilization rate in women with a small number of eggs IMSI technique can be applied.
In recent studies, better embryo development, higher pregnancy rates and fewer pregnancy losses have been detected by using sperm selected with the IMSI technique. (Antinori et al, 2008; Bartoov et al, 2002)
The IMSI technique is a high-cost procedure as it requires trained laboratory personnel and an expensive lens system, but in our center, no additional fee is charged for this procedure and it is used in all necessary patient groups.
References
Bartoov B, Berkovitz A, Eltes F, Kogosowski A, Menezo Y, Barak Y. Real-Time fine morphology of motile human sperm cells is associated with IVF-ICSI outcome..J Androly 2002; 23:1-8
Antinori M, Licata E, Dani G, Cerusico F, Versaci C, d’Angelo D, Antinori S. Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection: a prospective randomized trial. Reproductive Biomedicine online. 2008; Vol 16 No 6: 835-841
González-Ortega C. et al. Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) vs intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients with repeated ICSI failure. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2010 Dec;78(12):652-9.