Comparison of cumulative live birth rates between oocyte retrieval using single-lumen and double-lumen needles: a self-controlled retrospective cohort study

Purpose We investigate the clinical value of double-lumen needle oocyte retrieval in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and to analyze its effects on oocyte retrieval rate, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcomes. Methods This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 70 patients undergoing 277 oocyte retrieval cycles over a 5-year period (153 cycles with single-lumen needles versus 124 with double-lumen needles). Comprehensive comparisons were made between the two groups regarding embryological parameters (fertilization rates, embryo quality) and clinical outcomes (implantation rates, pregnancy outcomes). Results For the same cohort of patients, despite increased age and decreased Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels at the time of oocyte retrieval using double-lumen needle, the percentage of oocyte-obtained cycles showed a non-significant trend toward improvement with double-lumen needles compared to single-lumen needles (91.94% vs 86.93%, p = 0.182). The rates of oocyte retrieval, day 3 good-quality embryos, clinical pregnancy, implantation and live birth, and the cumulative live birth, no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusions In the same patient cohort, ‌despite advancing oocyte retrieval age, prolonged duration of infertility, and declining ovarian reserve function‌, double-lumen needle oocyte retrieval achieved ‌comparable embryo culture outcomes‌ and ‌equivalent clinical outcomes‌ to single-lumen needle retrieval.