Successful use of a laser for human embryo biopsy in preimplantation genetic diagnosis: report of two cases.
OBJECTIVE
The use of Tyrode's acid to drill the zona pellucida for embryo biopsy is the most widely used methodology in preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Instead of this, we propose the use of a 1.48-micron diode noncontact laser, which is quicker, simpler, and safer.


METHODS
The laser beam was tangentially guided to the zona pellucida of the embryo. Depending on zona pellucida measurement, two to four consecutive shots of 8-22 msec were necessary to drill the zona pellucida of the 13 embryos biopsied for two patients (hemophilia carriers).


RESULTS
Female embryos were replaced into the uterus of the patients (1.5 embryos/replacement). One single pregnancy was established (33.3% implantation rate). Coculture of untransferable embryos showed a blastocyst rate of 66.7% (4/6) for male embryos and 25% (1/4) for abnormal ones.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate the safety and usefulness of laser methodology in preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
Boada
M
M
Departament d'Obstetrícia i Ginecologia, Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain.
Carrera
M
M
De La Iglesia
C
C
Sandalinas
M
M
Barri
P N
PN
Veiga
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007834:Lasers; D011247:Pregnancy; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D015044:Zona Pellucida / Q000473:pathology