Variations of IVF
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer
ZIFT is an alternative embryo transfer procedure in which a patient’s embryos are collected in a special catheter and laparoscopically threaded into the fallopian tube. This procedure is performed most often in situations of cervical stenosis, a condition that prevents a traditional transvaginal transfer.
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
GIFT is an outpatient surgical procedure in which a mixture of eggs (obtained transvaginally) and sperm are placed directly into one of the woman’s fallopian tubes using laparoscopy. Fertilization may then take place in the fallopian tube.
Preparation includes a complete medical history and physical examination. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so patients feel no discomfort. Once the patient is asleep, a needle is inserted through a small incision near the navel, and the abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide so that the laparoscope can be placed safely into the abdominal cavity without injuring the bowel, bladder or blood vessels. The surgeon then inserts the laparoscope—a thin, telescope-like instrument—through the incision near the navel. Looking through the laparoscope, the surgeon can see the reproductive organs and insert a catheter loaded with the gametes into the fallopian tubes. When surgery is complete, the patient will receive up to four stitches to close the incision(s). Side effects of the procedure may include tenderness, bruising, soreness in the shoulders (due to the gas placed in the abdomen) and nausea. The patient should be able to resume normal activity within a few days.
In selected patients, the GIFT procedure has about a three to five percent higher success rate compared to conventional IVF. The procedure also provides an alternative for those who have ethical objections to standard IVF.