Dr. Hrishikesh Pai discusses the indications for intracytoplasmic injection of a single spermatozoon into an oocyte (ICSI). ICSI can increase fertilization rates when lower than expected or failed fertilization has occurred with conventional insemination.  ICSI is indicated for deranged semen parameters. Not only ejaculated sperms but also surgically retrieved sperms can be used for ICSI.The chance of finding sperm with microsurgical testicular sperm extraction is better than 60% which is superior to finding sperm by non-microsurgical or needle.  ICSI may be of benefit for patients undergoing IVF with pre implantation genetic techniques, in vitro matured oocytes, previously cryopreserved oocytes, autologous and homologous mitochondrial transfer.

Dr. Pai discusses the contraindications to ICSI and the technique of ICSI, factors affecting ICSI outcome and methods of improving IVF-ICSI outcomes. These include improving sperm quality by semen preparation, de-selection of apoptic sperms, magnetic-activated cell sorting, selection of normal sperms [intra cytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI), hyluronan acid binding (PICSI) hypoosmotic sperm test (HOST), motile sperm organellar morphology examination (MSOME)]. Newer techniques of sperm injection include use of poloscope (spindle view), laser, piezo and robotics.

Dr. Hrishikesh D. Pai M.D., F.C.P.S., F.IC.O.G., MSc (USA) has been in the field of IVF since 26 years. He did his one year fellowship in Reproductive Biology from the University of Melbourne Australia, in 1989. He is the scientific director of Two IVF units in Mumbai- 'The Babies & Us' Fertility, IVF & ICSI Centre at Opera House & 'The Advanced Fertility Centre' At the Lilavati Hospital, Bandra. He is one of the pionees in the field of Micromanipulation in India. His was the third unit in India to have started the procedure of Micromanipulation- ICSI in 1996 in Mumbai.

He has received training in Preimplantation genetics at the two leading institutes in the world-the Verlinsky unit in Chicago & the Az Vub in Brussels. His unit was the third unit in India to have started Preimplantation genetics diagnosis in 1998.

He has also been instrumental in establishing the first Assisted Laser Hatching Unit in India. The unit has delivered one of the first few laser hatched twins in India in the year 1999. He has helped to start many IVF units all over India-Guwahati, Jullandar, Raipur, Kakinada, Nagarcoil, Amritsar, Vijaywada, Allahabad, Kanpur to name a few.

Current Appointments

• Gynaecologist: Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.
• Gynaecologist, Fortis La Femme Hospital, New Delhi,.
• Gynaecologist and Head IVF Unit: D.Y.Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai.
• President - Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (2014-2016.
• Founder Chariman – MSR- Indian Society for Reproduction (Maharashtra Branch).
• Secretary General – The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India 2015 - 2018.
• Asst Treasurer- International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS).
• Invited member of Central Gove Board for ART bill.
• Board member of special committee to redraft PNDT IVF for Maharshtra Government.
• Member of Board of Maharashtra Govt for regulating ART bill 2010.