Selecting sperm using microfluidics for ICSI

Clinical Outcomes Following the Sperm Selection by Rheotaxis and Thermotaxis in In-Situ Hand-made Microfluidics of Fluidic Walls in the Same ICSI Plate: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Observational CREA Medicina de la Reproducción SL · NCT06243926

This study is testing a new way to pick the best sperm for ICSI using a special technique that could make the process easier and more effective for couples trying to conceive.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 49 Years
SexAll
SponsorCREA Medicina de la Reproducción SL Academic / other
Locations1 site (Valencia)
Trial IDNCT06243926 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates a novel microfluidics approach for selecting sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) by utilizing rheotaxis and thermotaxis. Unlike traditional methods that involve washing and centrifugation, this technique allows for sperm selection directly within the ICSI dish, streamlining the process and reducing potential handling errors. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of this new method against conventional density gradient centrifugation in selecting motile sperm from raw semen samples. The goal is to improve the efficiency and outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women under 40 years old undergoing ICSI with at least 6 mature oocytes and men under 50 with a minimum of 1 million progressive sperm.

Not a fit: Patients using surgically retrieved sperm or cryopreserved gametes will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could enhance sperm selection efficiency, leading to improved fertilization rates in ICSI procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with microfluidics in sperm selection, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing ICSI
* Female age under 40 years old
* Number of mature oocytes (MII) upon oocyte retrieval ≥ 6
* Male age under 50 years old
* Total number of progressive sperm ≥ 1 million

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with surgically retrieved sperm for ICSI
* Cases using cryopreserved oocytes
* Cases using cryopreserved sperm

Where this trial is running

Valencia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Intracytoplasmic Sperm InjectionSpermMicrofluidicsICSISperm SelectionAssisted Reproduction Techniques
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.