The Probert Encyclopaedia of Medicine

ASPIRATION

Aspiration is a procedure used to obtain eggs from ovarian follicles for use in in-vitro fertilization. The procedure may be performed during laparoscopy, using a long needle and ultrasound to locate the follicle in the ovary. For the procedure, the woman is given hormone medications to stimulate the ovaries so that several mature eggs develop. After 36 hours, an ultrasound scan is used to view and locate the eggs. Special software allows the health care provider to view one ovum at a time and helps guide the needle through the vaginal wall towards the eggs, called ova, for removal. Usually several ova are removed at one time.
Research Aspiration