The process of Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) starts similar to IVF with eggs being harvested and incubated. Next, the oocyte is stabilized by a holding pipette while a glass micropipette is used to collect a single sperm. This unselected sperm cell is immobilized by cutting its tail with the point of the micropipette.
The oocyte is pierced through the membrane (oolemma) and the sperm is directed to the inner part of the oocyte (cytoplasm). The sperm is released into the oocyte. During this process, the cellular structures such as the zona pellucida and polar body of the egg cell must be clearly visible.