In Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), maximizing retrieval of every viable oocyte lays the foundation for treatment success. Conventional single‑lumen ovum pick‑up needles may encounter limitations when dealing with cases featuring numerous follicles, viscous follicular fluid, or anticipated retrieval difficulties. The double‑lumen OPU needle has emerged to address such challenges. Featuring a unique dual‑channel design, it enables simultaneous flushing and aspiration, significantly boosting oocyte recovery rates. Vitrolife, a world‑leading reproductive health enterprise, extends its profound expertise in embryo culture media and laboratory consumables to the oocyte retrieval stage, delivering high‑efficiency and reliable double‑lumen OPU needle solutions to meet complex clinical demands globally.

Double‑Lumen OPU Needles: A Technological Breakthrough for Higher Recovery Rates

A double‑lumen OPU needle consists of two independent lumens: a larger central lumen for aspirating follicular fluid, and a smaller peripheral lumen for infusing flushing solution (typically culture medium or normal saline) into follicles. Its working principle is as follows: after follicular fluid is fully aspirated via the central lumen, flushing solution is injected through the peripheral lumen to re‑distend the follicle, which is then aspirated again through the central lumen; this process may be repeated 1–2 times. This procedure washes off cumulus‑oocyte complexes (containing oocytes) adhering to the follicular wall, thereby increasing the chance of oocyte retrieval. It is particularly critical for patients with small follicles or unsatisfactory oocyte yields in previous retrieval cycles.

Vitrolife: A Global Partner for Integrated Reproductive Solutions

Headquartered in Sweden, Vitrolife is a multinational corporation dedicated to providing a full range of products and services for assisted reproduction, covering oocyte retrieval, embryo culture, and cryopreservation. Its product portfolio includes culture media, consumables, instruments, and genetic testing services. Vitrolife's OPU needles serve as a vital component of its comprehensive solution suite. Their design philosophy aligns with the company's other products such as culture media, aiming to deliver a seamless workflow and optimal embryonic development environment for embryology laboratories. Such systematic solutions have earned high recognition among high‑end reproductive centers worldwide.

Clinical Application Scenarios and Value

Double‑lumen OPU needles are not intended for all routine cases, yet they demonstrate irreplaceable value in the following specific clinical scenarios:

Poor ovarian response or low follicle count: For such patients, every single oocyte is extremely precious. The flushing function of double‑lumen needles maximizes recovery of potentially missed eggs and improves the utilization rate of each retrieval cycle.

Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS patients often have numerous small follicles with relatively viscous follicular fluid, to which oocytes tend to adhere. Flushing with double‑lumen needles effectively enhances retrieval outcomes.

Oocyte retrieval in natural or mild‑stimulation cycles: Only 1–2 mature follicles are typically present in these cycles. Thorough flushing with double‑lumen needles ensures successful retrieval of these crucial oocytes.

Egg donation cycles: In egg donation programs, the goal is to obtain as many high‑quality oocytes as possible from healthy donors. Double‑lumen needles help optimize retrieval efficiency and secure the success rate of donation programs.

Technical Features and Clinical Benefits of Vitrolife's Double‑Lumen OPU Needles

Vitrolife's double‑lumen OPU needles are engineered for operational efficiency and oocyte safety. Key features (based on industry‑standard designs and Vitrolife's overall development philosophy) include:

Optimized fluid dynamics: The layout and lumen diameters are precisely calculated to ensure even and gentle follicle distension by flushing solution, avoiding impact‑induced damage to oocytes.

Premium materials and surface finishing: Manufactured from medical‑grade stainless steel with ultra‑smooth inner lumen treatment to minimize cell adhesion and friction.

Compatibility with Vitrolife culture media: The flushing channel is perfectly compatible with Vitrolife's proprietary embryo culture media, enabling a smooth transition of oocytes from the in‑vivo to in‑vitro culture environment.

Clinical studies indicate that double‑lumen needles can increase oocyte retrieval rates by 10%–20% in cases with anticipated retrieval difficulties. Though double‑lumen needles incur higher costs and require slightly more complex manipulation than single‑lumen alternatives, their clinical benefits far outweigh the additional expenses for the above‑mentioned patient groups. By providing such high‑performance specialized instruments, Vitrolife empowers reproductive centers to manage more complex cases, ultimately helping more families realize their dreams of conception.

Our company:

Shenzhen Manners Technology Co., Ltd. is an ISO/TS certified company located in Shenzhen, China, specializing in human medical products. The products mainly include four categories: needle manufacturing, laser cut tubing, five-axis machining blade, and medical-grade visible trocar. The company also provides design assistance, research and development, rapid prototyping, and project management services.

Our expertise includes processing Titanium, Nitinol, and Stainless Steel components for implantable medical devices and surgical instruments. The company's expertise includes processing titanium, nitinol, and stainless steel components for implantable medical devices and surgical instruments, the Accu-Blade technology for grinding surgical needles, Accu-Laser Swiss processing, and production-validated prototypes.

Production

Engineering, R&D and Project Management resources are where it all begins for Manners Technology. Our engineering team at Manners Technology meticulously reviews material selection, component/assembly characteristics and tolerances, and assembly methods, providing valuable feedback. Manners Technology's product development, along with synchronized design and manufacturing, allows you to lead the market.