What are ZIFT and TET?

ZIFT stands for zygote intrafallopian transfer. This involves the placement of a one-celled embryo (zygote) directly into the fallopian tube.

TET stands for tubal embryo transfer; this involves the placement of a two-cell or four-cell cleaving embryo into the fallopian tube. In both cases, routine in vitro fertilization is performed following a typical egg retrieval using vaginal ultrasound.

In the case of ZIFT, the one-cell embryo is placed into the fallopian tube by using laparoscopy one day after egg retrieval. In the case of TET, the two-cell or four-cell embryo is placed into the fallopian tube by laparoscopy two days after egg retrieval. These two methods are quite similar and have similar success rates. In general, both procedures have approximately a 5-10% higher pregnancy rate than in vitro fertilization. However, they have the drawback of requiring two procedures: a vaginal egg retrieval and a laparoscopy. In addition, patients with tubal adhesions or tubal blockages are not eligible for ZIFT or TET.

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