Since the exact position of the spindle is not known during ICSI, there are chances that the spindle may get damaged. During the ICSI procedure, eggs are held carefully so as not to damage the chromosome spindles while inserting the injection needle into the eggs. This is done by holding the polar body in a particular way, as one cannot actually see the location of the chromosome spindle.
In a breakthrough in optics and computational technology, this chromosome spindle can now be visualized in real time, while actually injecting the eggs. This would prevent egg damage, increase fertilization rates, increase embryo formation rates and improve embryo quality. A machine called Poloscope, makes use of optical deviation of light waves as it passes through the egg placed under a microscope. This deviation is then fed into a computer. Based on the computer analysis, the spindle is located. We can also have an accurate picture of the maturity of the egg as well as quality, by assessing the clear and high resolution images of the meiotic spindle. Any abnormality of spindle has high risk for developing into embryos with chromosomal abnormalities. This may result in failed fertilization, poor embryo development, failed implantation or spontaneous abortion. So, this machine can be used as a screening method to avoid implanting an embryo with genetic risk. The machine can thus help to improve fertilization rates and pregnancy outcomes.
