Optical manipulations of human gametes.

Optical manipulations of human gametes are described indicating their potential for use in in vitro fertilization and preimplantation-assisted zona pellucida hatching. Successful manipulations are demonstrated using focused laser beams in association with microscopy. The micromanipulation and selection of male gametes were achieved using an optical-trapping infrared laser diode. The opening of the zona pellucida surrounding the egg (assisted hatching) was performed using a pulsed, nitrogen-pumped dye laser. Clinical applications for laser-assisted reproduction techniques are discussed.