Formation of Blastocysts From Zona Pellucida-Free Oocytes: A Case Report on a Modified Technique in In Vitro Fertilization.

Objective

Zona-free oocytes (ZFOs) were rarely present when performing the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique. There have been some reports showing that embryos from these oocytes still result in pregnancy after treatment. These oocytes are often discarded due to quality concerns and difficulties in manipulating and cultivating. This case report shows how ZFOs are handled in in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

This case report concerns IVF with ICSI and blastocyst culture in an infertile woman with polycystic ovary syndrome. A modified ICSI procedure was proposed to fertilize the ZFO without any damage. The primary outcome measurements involve fertilization assessment and blastocyst development.

Results

Among 23 retrieved oocytes, 5 of them were zone ZFOs. Three of the five were fertilized and then developed into good-quality blastocysts.

Conclusions

By employing appropriate techniques for fertilization and embryo culture, ZFOs are capable of the development and production of good-quality blastocysts.