Percutaneous oocyte recovery using ultrasound

A technique for oocyte collection by percutaneous puncture guided by ultrasound is described. The equipment includes a sector scanner with a puncture transducer. A coarse needle (16 gauge) and a syringe constitute the aspiration device. The syringe provides the vacuum and serves as a trap for the follicular fluids. Follicular flushing is performed by syringes containing culture medium. The aspiration is carried out as an out-patient procedure under local anaesthesia after premedication. The spontaneously filled bladder acts as an ultrasonic window and the needle is introduced through the bladder into the ovarian follicles, guided by the screen display. The oocyte recovery rate per follicle exceeds 80% with experience, and the collection can be performed in women with abundant pelvic adhesions. The only complication to the procedure is a short-lasting haematuria, observed in 5% of the cases.