Abstract
LC-PolScope™ technology, formally sold as Spindle View, is a microscopic imaging system that utilizes polarized light. It was initially designed for noninvasive imaging of structures within living cells, for example, the meiotic spindle, zona pellucida and sperm acrosome. The system has been developed as an adjustment to the standard light microscope with the addition of two polarizers and image analysis computer software. The unique feature of this device is the ability to capture live images of these biological structures, thus enabling quantitative analysis. As a noninvasive tool, this system has been used in IVF laboratories during intracytoplasmic sperm injection to avoid damaging the meiotic spindle while injecting individual spermatozoa into the oocyte. The latest version of this device (Oosight™) allows instant image analysis for quicker and easier use in IVF laboratories. This version also has better resolution, which allows a more detailed assessment of intracellular structures and may assist scientists in the selection of oocytes with the greatest potential to produce a pregnancy. Recent published data show higher pregnancy rates in embryos derived from oocytes where a normally shaped meiotic spindle was identified.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.