The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of different flow rates during oocyte retrieval, on the number of cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) retrieved.
In the current study, each ovary will be randomly allocated to oocyte retrieval using 0.42 ml/sec or 0.62 ml/sec flow rate. The primary endpoint will be the number of oocytes retrieved, while secondary outcomes will include oocyte recovery rate (number of oocytes retrieved per follicle aspirated), number of mature oocytes, maturation rate (number of mature oocytes/number of oocytes retrieved), mean oocyte score (by evaluating oocyte shape and size, ooplasm characteristics, structure of perivitelline space (PVS), structure of zona pellucida (ZP) and polar body (PB) morphology), fertilization rate (number of fertilized oocytes/number of mature oocytes), number of blastocysts and blastulation rate (number of blastocysts/number of 2PN). Patients aged 18-43 years with the presence of at least 3 follicles ≥ 11mm in each ovary on the day of oocyte retrieval will be eligible for inclusion in the study. Prior to oocyte retrieval in eligible patients their left and right ovary will be randomly allocated into the 0.42 ml/sec or 0.62 ml/sec flow rate group. Randomisation with minimisation will be employed. The specific flow rates will be achieved by adjusting the aspiration pressure of the vacuum pump accordingly. A study nurse will be responsible for adjusting the aspiration pressure of the vacuum pump depending on randomization. The doctor performing the oocyte retrieval will not be aware of the flow rate used in each ovary. All follicles will be aspirated and then flushed if needed up to a maximum of 5 times with an open flushing technique, using a 16G double-lumen needle. Data will be registered regarding the number of flushes required to retrieve a COC, the morphology of oocytes after denudation, oocyte fertilisation and embryo development up to the blastocyst stage.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
42
All follicles will be aspirated with the addition of follicular flushing if necessary (up to 5 times per follicle) with an aspiration flow rate of 0.42 ml/sec.
High aspiration flow rate All follicles will be aspirated with the addition of follicular flushing if necessary (up to 5 times per follicle) with an aspiration flow rate of 0.62 ml/sec.
Eugonia Unit of Assisted Reproduction
Athens, Greece
Number of oocytes retrieved
Number of oocytes retrieved per ovary randomised.
Time frame: During oocyte retrieval
Oocyte recovery rate
Number of oocytes retrieved per follicle aspirated.
Time frame: During oocyte retrieval
Oocyte maturation rate
Number of mature (metaphase-II) oocytes divided by the number of oocytes retrieved per ovary randomised.
Time frame: 2-3 hours post oocyte retrieval
Average oocyte score
Average oocyte score based on the evaluation of oocyte shape and size, ooplasm characteristics, structure of perivitelline space, structure of zona pellucida and polar body morphology.
Time frame: 2-3 hours post oocyte retrieval
Fertilization rate
Number of fertilised (2PN) oocytes divided by the number of matured oocytes retrieved per ovary randomised.
Time frame: Day 1 post oocyte retrieval
Percentage of good quality blastocysts on day 5
Number of good quality blastocysts divided by the number of fertilized oocytes per ovary randomised.
Time frame: 5 days post oocyte retrieval
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