Activated ovarian endothelial cells promote early follicular development and survival.

Background: New data suggests that endothelial cells (ECs) elaborate essential "angiocrine factors". The aim of this study is to investigate the role of activated ovarian endothelial cells in early in-vitro follicular development.

Methods: Mouse ovarian ECs were isolated using magnetic cell sorting or by FACS and cultured in serum free media.

Embryo transfer.

Embryo transfer is a critical step in the overall success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite its apparent simplicity, it is an integral part of the IVF cycle that can be difficult to teach and perform well. In this chapter we describe the procedure of embryo transfer and discuss various modifications that have been evaluated in an effort to improve the probability of embryo implantation including ultrasound guidance, catheter design, transfer technique, as well as enrichment of the embryo transfer media.

Follicular flushing and in vitro fertilization outcomes in the poorest responders: a randomized controlled trial.

Study Question: Does follicular flushing during oocyte retrieval improve the number of oocytes retrieved in the poorest responders?

Summary Answer: Follicular flushing in the poorest responders does not increase the number of oocytes retrieved and may result in lower implantation and clinical pregnancy rates.

What Is Known Already: Although previous studies have shown no beneficial effect of follicular flushing in normal responders, no study has demonstrated a detrimental effect and many IVF centers continue to perform this technique in poor responders. Data on follicular flushing in this patient group are limited, with no randomized trial to date assessing its utility in the poorest responders.

In vitro fertilization for Orthodox Jewish couples: antagonist cycle modifications allowing for mikveh attendance before oocyte retrieval.

Objective: To describe a novel method of altering conventional gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, thereby allowing for the observance of ritual Jewish practices, and to investigate the impact of these cycle modifications on IVF outcomes.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Academic medical center.