A Randomized Controlled Trial of Double-Lumen versus Single-Lumen Needles for Oocyte Retrieval in Advanced Maternal Age Patients

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 795–806

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJOG/000547

Original Research Article

Title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Double-Lumen versus Single-Lumen Needles for Oocyte Retrieval in Advanced Maternal Age Patients

Names of Authors: Anita P. Nwosu¹, Samuel T. Kudoyin²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Nigeria
² Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract:
Oocyte retrieval in patients of advanced maternal age requires technical strategies that maximize oocyte yields from a limited number of follicles. This prospective randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy, aspiration duration, and pelvic pain profiles of a double-lumen follicle aspiration needle enabling immediate flushing versus a standard single-lumen aspiration needle. One hundred subfertile women aged 38 to 43 years undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF were randomized to either the double-lumen needle group (n = 50) or the single-lumen needle group (n = 50) during transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte collection. The primary endpoint evaluated was the total number of mature (Metaphase II) oocytes retrieved per patient. The mean number of mature oocytes retrieved was statistically identical between the double-lumen and single-lumen arms (3.4 ± 1.2 vs. 3.2 ± 1.4, p = 0.45). The fertilization and blastocyst development rates did not vary significantly between the cohorts (p > 0.05). However, the mean operative duration was significantly longer in the double-lumen needle group due to the repeated flushing phases (18.4 ± 4.2 minutes vs. 10.5 ± 2.4 minutes, p < 0.001). Postoperative pelvic pain scores checked via a visual analog scale were significantly higher in the double-lumen arm (p = 0.008). In advanced maternal age patients with diminished reserves, a double-lumen needle with follicular flushing does not increase mature oocyte yields but prolongs operative timelines and increases postoperative pelvic discomfort.

Keywords: Advanced Maternal Age; Oocyte Retrieval; Follicular Flushing; Double-Lumen Needle; Single-Lumen Needle; IVF Yields.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 15, 2026; Revised: September 06, 2026; Accepted: September 16, 2026; Published: September 30, 2026.

Citation: Nuosu AP, Kudoyin ST. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Double-Lumen versus Single-Lumen Needles for Oocyte Retrieval in Advanced Maternal Age Patients. International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; 14(9): 795–806.

Subscribe to read the full article: https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/subscribe-to-read