Next-Generation IVF Technologies: What Are Piezo and PICSI?
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) continues to evolve with new technologies designed to improve fertilization rates, embryo quality, and overall treatment success. Two of the most exciting advances in recent years are Piezo and PICSI innovative techniques that refine how eggs and sperm are handled in the lab.
What Is ICSI?
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is one of the most common techniques in IVF treatment. During this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg using a fine glass needle. However, in traditional ICSI, the embryologist must manually push the needle through the egg’s outer membrane which can sometimes cause minor damage, especially in fragile or mature eggs. This is where Piezo comes in.
PIEZO-ICSI: A Gentler, More Precise Form of Microinjection
What Is Piezo Technology?
Piezo is an advanced version of standard ICSI. Instead of using manual pressure to penetrate the egg’s membrane, it employs piezoelectric pulses ultra-fast, microscopic vibrations to gently open the egg for sperm injection.
Benefits:
● Causes less mechanical stress to the egg
● Increases egg survival after injection
● Can improve fertilization and embryo development rates
● Provides more standardized, consistent results
PICSI: Choosing the Healthiest Sperm for Injection
What Is PICSI?
PICSI (Physiological ICSI) focuses on selecting the most mature and genetically healthy sperm before injection. The method uses a special culture dish coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) ,a natural substance found around the egg in the female reproductive tract.
Benefits:
● Helps identify sperm with better DNA integrity
● Can reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities
● May improve embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes
● May lower miscarriage rates in certain couples
PICSI is especially valuable for couples facing male factor infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.
| Who Can Benefit? Clinical Situation | Recommended Technique |
| Fragile or thick-zoned eggs | Piezo |
| Poor sperm quality or DNA damage | PICSI |
| Repeated IVF or ICSI failures | Either or both may be considered |