Introduction of the single-lumen oocyte retrieval needle in an assisted reproductive technology center: Propensity score matching analysis of grouping

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of oocyte retrieval using a single-lumen aspiration needle compared to a double-lumen aspiration needle in IVF (in vitro fertilization) patients.

Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study included all IVF cycles between 1st January, 2020 and 31st December, 2022 in Changhua Christian Hospital, Taiwan. Pairwise comparisons were conducted through propensity score matching analysis at a 1:3 ratio according to patients' age, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and body weight. The cycles were divided into two groups: the single-lumen needle group, who utilized a single-lumen 18-gauge needle and the double-lumen needle group, who underwent follicular aspiration and flushing using a double-lumen 17-gauge needle. Outcomes included oocytes retrieved, matured oocytes (MII), normal zygotes (2-PN), viable embryos, procedure duration and pregnancy rate.

Results: A total of 2211 oocyte retrieval procedures were recorded. After propensity score matching, 912 IVF cycles were included for the analysis, comprising 228 and 684 cycles in the single-lumen and double-lumen needle groups, respectively. The single-lumen needle group had more oocytes retrieved (12.84 vs. 11.56, P < 0.05) and normal zygotes (7.79 vs. 6.98, P < 0.05) than the double-lumen needle group. The median procedure duration was also shorter in the single-lumen needle group (14.23 vs. 17.68 min, P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Oocyte retrieval using a single-lumen aspiration needle not only reduced the procedure duration but also increased the number of oocytes retrieved and the number of normal zygotes (2-PN). Therefore, the single-lumen aspiration needle exhibits higher efficiency in oocyte retrieval and is more affordable than the double-lumen aspiration needle.