ZIFT, zygote intrafallopian transfer, is a more advanced option in which the fertilized and dividing embryo (early cleavage stage embryo) is transferred to the fallopian tube during laparoscopy.

ZIFT, zygote intrafallopian transfer, is a more advanced option in which the fertilized and dividing embryo (early cleavage stage embryo) is transferred to the fallopian tube during laparoscopy.

ZIFT (also known as tubal embryo transfer or TET ) differs from GIFT in that fertilization takes place in a laboratory dish instead of the fallopian tube. Moreover, it differs from IVF in that the fertilized egg is transferred to the fallopian tube instead of to the uterus. Thus, this advanced option offers the best of both IVF and GIFT - documentation of fertilization in vitro; and higher pregnancy rates because of tubal transfer.

ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian transfer) is a better option than the routine embryo transfer for transferring embryos back into the body. Remember that an embryo on Day 1, 2 , 3 belongs in the fallopian tube - not in the petri dish or the uterus ! Rather than put embryos into the uterus on Day 2 or 3, it is better to put them back where they belong - the fallopian tube ! The pregnancy rates with ZIFT have always been higher than with IVF-ET and there are many reasons for this.

1. The fallopian tube provides a better environment for the early human embryo as compared to the incubator
2. There is better synchronisation between the embryo and uterus in a ZIFT, as a result of which implantation rates are better than with traditional IVF
3. ZIFT allows the doctor to bypass the cervix. This can be very helpful in women with cervical stenosis; or those who have failed IVF in the past because the embryo transfer was technically difficult or traumatic.

Unfortunately, few IVF clinics today anywhere in the world have the expertise or ability to perform a ZIFT procedure. This is because most IVF doctors do not have the required skills to perform an operative laparoscopy ; and most IVF clinics are free-standing, which means they do not have easy access to an Operation Theater. Also, simply because Operation Theater services and anesthesiologist fees are so high in the US, most IVF clinics simply cannot afford to offer this option to their patients (even though it offers a higher pregnancy rate than IVF !)

We are proud to be one of the few clinics in the world which can do a ZIFT, since we have our own dedicated Operation Theater; and anesthesiologist.

You can watch a video of the ZIFT procedure here.