Khalil Faaed: Are Transfer Cannulas an Overlooked Variable in IVF Success?
Khalil Faaed, Intern of IVF/ICSI and Clinical Embryology at Indira IVF, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“The Hidden Biological Cost of Routine Oocyte Handling: Are Transfer Cannulas an Overlooked Variable in IVF Success?
Every IVF laboratory carefully optimizes stimulation protocols, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer. Yet one routine step often escapes attention: transferring the cumulus oocyte complex (COC) from the follicular aspirate into the search dish.
Many laboratories use IV cannulas for this purpose because they are practical and convenient. However, could this seemingly simple step introduce subtle biological stress before fertilization even begins?
As the COC passes through a narrow cannula, it may be exposed to mechanical shear stress, turbulence, temperature fluctuations, pH changes, and increased oxidative stress.
These factors may compromise cumulus cell integrity, disturb the meiotic spindle, and alter oocyte physiology even when the oocyte appears morphologically normal.
Although there is currently no conclusive clinical evidence that IV cannulas reduce IVF success rates, reproductive biology consistently demonstrates that minimizing unnecessary mechanical and environmental stress is essential for preserving oocyte competence.
As embryologists, we focus on optimizing every aspect of the IVF laboratory. Perhaps it is time to ask whether the devices used during oocyte handling deserve the same level of scientific evaluation and validation as our culture media, incubators, and micromanipulation systems.
What method does your laboratory use for transferring follicular aspirates into search dishes, and has your team evaluated its potential biological impact?.”
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