Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer: ZIFT

Infertility

What is zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)?

ZIFT is an assisted reproductive procedure similar to in vitro fertilizationand embryo transfer, the difference being that the fertilized embryo istransferred into the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Because the fertilizedegg is transferred directly into the tubes, the procedure is also referredto as tubal embryo transfer (TET). This procedure can be more successfulthan gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) becauseyour physician has a greater chance of insuring that the egg is fertilized.The woman must have healthy tubes for ZIFT to work.

The main difference between ZIFT and GIFT is that ZIFT transfers a fertilizedegg directly into the fallopian tubes while GIFT utilizes a mixture of spermand eggs.

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How is ZIFT performed?

ZIFT is an assisted reproductive procedure that involves the followingsteps:

  • A woman’s ovaries are stimulated withmedications to increase the probability of producing multiple eggs.
  • Eggs are then collected through an aspirationprocedure.
  • Those eggs are fertilized in a laboratory in aprocedure identical to IVF, with the exception of the time frame. Duringthe ZIFT procedure, fertilized eggs are transferred within 24 hours, versus3-5 days as used in a regular IVF cycle.
  • The fertilized eggs are then transferred througha laparoscopic procedure where a catheter is placed deep in the fallopiantube and the fertilized eggs injected.
  • The final step is to watch for early pregnancysymptoms. The fertility specialist will probably use a blood testto determine if pregnancy has occurred.

Who should be treated with ZIFT?

ZIFT is an assisted reproductive procedure which may be the selectedform of treatment for any infertility problems except the following:

  • Tubal blockage
  • Significant tubal damage
  • An anatomic problem with the uterus, suchas severe intrauterine adhesions
  • Sperm that are not able to penetrate an egg

ZIFT is commonly chosen by couples who have failed to conceive after atleast one year of trying and who have failed five to six cycles of ovarianstimulation with intrauterine insemination (IUI).

What are the similarities and differences between ZIFT and in vitrofertilization (IVF)?

  • ZIFT and IVF both tend to be favorable treatments for women who havemore severe infertility issues such as damaged fallopian tubes.

  • ZIFT and IVF both involve embryo culture.

  • ZIFT and IVF both provide the physician with the opportunityto select only the best quality embryos for transfer.

  • ZIFT transfers the fertilized embryo into the fallopian tube whereasthe IVF and embryo transfer procedures result in the fertilized embryobeing placed into the uterus.

  • The ZIFT procedure differs from IVF in that the transfer of embryosinto the tube requires an extra surgical procedure called laparoscopy.

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Last Updated: 04/2012

Compiled using information from the following sources:

WebMD, http://www.webmd.com

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), http://www.asrm.org