In vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection pregnancies after successful transport of oocytes by airplane

Buckett, William M; Fisch, Patricia; Dean, Nicola L; Biljan, Marinko M; Tan, Seang Lin

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Volume 71, Issue 4 , Pages 753-755, April 1999

In vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection pregnancies after successful transport of oocytes by airplane

William M Buckett (M.R.C.O.G.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University.
- McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Reprint requests: William Buckett, M.R.C.O.G., McGill Reproductive Center, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine Avenue West, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1A1 Canada (FAX: 1-514-843-1496;
Patricia Fisch, M.D.
- Hôpital de Chicoutimi.
- Hôpital de Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada
Nicola L Dean, B.Sc.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University.
- McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Marinko M Biljan (M.R.C.O.G.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University.
- McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Seang Lin Tan (F.R.C.O.G.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University.
- McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Received 10 September 1998; received in revised form 1 December 1998; accepted 1 December 1998.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility of a transport IVF program involving air transportation of oocytes.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Regional hospital (Hôpital de Chicoutimi) and University Infertility Center (McGill Reproductive Center, Montreal).

Patient(s): The first series of patients referred for IVF or IVF and ICSI, for a variety of indications, who opted for inclusion in the transport IVF program.

Intervention(s): The IVF-ET with ovarian stimulation and oocyte collection at the peripheral unit and transport of the oocytes by airplane to the McGill Reproductive Center where IVF or ICSI was performed.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical pregnancy.

Result(s): Seven couples, in the first series, underwent nine cycles of transport IVF treatment. Two also underwent ICSI. There were two clinical pregnancies.

Conclusion(s): Transport IVF using air travel is possible and opens the possibility for this type of program to be implemented in large countries with scattered populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Keywords: Transport IVF, air transport, airplane, oocytes