Process of oocyte release and capture in the human

The THL was performed under local anaesthesia. The patient was conscious and could follow the entire procedure. The ovulation stigma was identified on the caudal pole of the left ovary. The fimbriae were in close contact embracing the caudal pole of the ovary. Due to vasocongestion, the fimbrial vessels were engorged and the fimbrial ends erected. In a pulsatile way, they were sweeping the surface of the ovulation ostium. At closer inspection, a mucinous structure was seen protruding from the ovulation ostium and stretched between the fimbrial ends and the ostium. The pulsatile movements of the fimbriae, synchronous with the patient’s heartbeat, slowly pulled the cumulus–oocyte complex free from the ostium of the ruptured follicle. During the observation, follicular fluid could be seen leaking from the ostium. The total duration of the observation lasted for 15 min.