Liquid nitrogen is cold enough that chemical reactions do not occur. Indefinite storage of embryos is ethically unacceptable. In our program, we encourage our patients to receive their embryos within 2 years from the time of storage. While In Vitro Fertilization came to us from the United Kingdom, GIFT is an American innovation. The first successful case of GIFT was reported by Dr. Ricardo Asch in 1984.
Gametes normally meet in the fallopian tube.
In contradistinction to IVF, GIFT is done by laparoscopy and under a general anesthetic. This is done in order to access both the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. The procedure is done by aspirating all of the follicles in order to retrieve the maximum number of eggs. One or both fallopian tubes are then elevated and cannulated. The sperm and eggs are deposited in the mid-portion of the fallopian tubes.