[Promoting pregnancy following partial zona dissection of the oocyte within the scope of in vitro fertilization].

Partial dissection of the zona pellucida (PZD) is one of several micromanipulatory methods for the treatment of male subfertility. PZD involves the mechanical introduction of a small hole in the zona pellucida of the oocyte prior to insemination. Thus, fusion with the oolemma and fertilization of the oocyte is facilitated for spermatozoa with impaired quality that otherwise would not be able to penetrate the zona. We have established this technique at our clinic and report on the first pregnancy achieved by PZD of the oocyte during our IVF programme.