ZYGOTE INTRAFALLOPIAN TRANSFER (ZIFT)

Another variation of principle ART procedures is zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT). As in IVF and GIFT, ZIFT involves ovarian stimulation, monitoring and egg retrieval. Sperm are collected, specially processed and used to fertilize the egg in vitro. If fertilization takes place, those eggs that have been fertilized (thus becoming zygotes) are transferred into the fallopian tubes rather than the uterus. This is accomplished via mini-laparotomy (a form of abdominal surgery) or laparoscopy. You may also hear the ZIFT procedure referred to as tubal embryo transfer (TET).

Success Rates With ZIFT

ZIFT is the newest of the principal ART procedures so the number of ZIFT procedures performed is still small compared with IVF and GIFT. Only about 1,792 ZIFT procedures were performed in 1993. However, the results are encouraging with an overall success rate (in terms of deliveries per retrieval) of 24.4%.

ZIFT: Benefits vs. Limitations

ZIFT requires that the woman have at least one functioning fallopian tube. Therefore, ZIFT is not an option in women with infertility caused by tubal problems. However, like IVF, it is possible to determine if fertilization has taken place. The obvious advantage of ZIFT is that ZIFT uses zygotes, not an egg and sperm mixture.


Click on a title below to read
Emotional Impact of InfertilityThe Growth of ART
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
ART MAIN PAGEART and Microsurgical Treatments for Infertility
Success Factors and Rates for ARTConclusion: Hope for Infertile Couples

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