Correlation Between Oocyte and Embryo Mechanical Properties on Embryo Development and Clinical Pregnancy After In Vitro Fertilization

"An oocyte or embryo will be gently held by a micropipette, and a small inward pressure will be applied to the edge of the oocyte or embryo. The response of the embryo to this pulling force will allow the investigators to measure its stiffness and viscosity. The term micropipette aspiration refers to the pressure applied to the edge of the embryo -- this procedure is not invasive and does not involve any sort of puncture or removal of material from the oocyte or embryo."