Laser technology in the assisted reproductive technology laboratory: a narrative review

Journal article

To improve success rates, assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures continually undergo optimization and enhancement such that we can identify and manipulate the best quality gametes and embryos, and thus improve clinical outcomes. Laser technology is now being applied across ART to reduce procedure times and increase the consistency and reproducibility of traditional ART techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo biopsy, assisted-hatching, cryopreservation, and sperm immobilization /selection. Herein, we examine the current status of cutting-edge laser-assisted reproductive technologies, investigate experimental techniques that are increasingly being applied clinically, and explore the future use of lasers as a research tool in the reproductive sciences. We highlight the benefits of lasers as a powerful technology at the forefront of both diagnostic and therapeutic treatments for general sub-fertility and male-factor infertility. However, it is important to note that while lasers are becoming increasingly commonplace in the ART unit, there is comparatively little information in the existing literature pertaining to the potential negative effects that laser application might impart upon the developing human embryo, thus creating the need for further investigative research.

Authors: Davidson, L; Liu, Y; Griffiths, T; Jones, C; Coward, K

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Reproductive BioMedicine Online
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 725-739
• Publication date: 2018-12-21
• Acceptance date: 2018-12-11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.011
• ISSN: 1472-6483
• Language: English