Medicine is evolving and at Maze, we believe your care should evolve with it.
That’s why we’ve introduced AI-assisted Extended Sperm Search and Microfreeze (ESSM) a cutting edge advancement designed to improve how we detect even the rarest sperm in cases of severe male infertility.
But here’s what matters most:
AI doesn’t replace our lab. It strengthens it.
What Is ESSM, and Why It Matters
Extended Sperm Search and Microfreeze (ESSM) is a highly specialized laboratory technique used to locate and preserve sperm in men with extremely low or even “zero” sperm counts.
Unlike a standard semen analysis, which evaluates only a small sample, ESSM involves:
- Examining the entire specimen under high-powered microscopy
- Spending hours searching for even a single viable sperm
- Isolating and freezing sperm for use in IVF/ICSI
This meticulous process has helped find sperm in up to ~40–44% of men previously diagnosed with azoospermia
For many patients, that means avoiding more invasive surgical procedures and gaining a real chance at biological parenthood.
Where AI Comes In
Now, Maze is taking ESSM one step further.
With AI-assisted ESSM, we use advanced artificial intelligence as a decision-support tool to help our embryologists work more efficiently and precisely.
Here’s how it works:
- AI scans microscopic fields and flags areas where sperm are more likely to be found
- It helps prioritize “needle-in-a-haystack” regions in complex samples
- Embryologists then manually confirm every finding before freezing
This isn’t automation, it’s augmentation.
And that distinction matters.
Studies show that AI tools can significantly reduce search time and improve efficiency in sperm detection, especially in difficult samples.
The Maze Difference: Technology + Human Expertise
At Maze, we believe the best outcomes come from combining innovation with experience.
That’s why:
- Every sample is still manually reviewed in full
- Every sperm identified by AI is confirmed by a trained embryologist
- No diagnosis is made without human validation
Even if AI doesn’t detect sperm, our team still completes a full manual search before any conclusions are made
In other words:
AI helps guide the search but our experts make the decisions.
Why This Matters for Patients
Male infertility especially conditions like azoospermia or cryptozoospermia can feel like a dead end.
But technology is changing that.
AI-assisted ESSM allows us to:
- Find sperm faster in complex or debris-heavy samples
- Improve efficiency without compromising accuracy
- Maximize the chance of identifying usable sperm
- Preserve fertility options that may have otherwise been missed
For patients, this means more opportunity and often, fewer invasive procedures.
Staying Ahead, So You Don’t Fall Behind
At Maze, innovation isn’t about trends it’s about outcomes.
AI-assisted ESSM reflects our commitment to:
- Adopting advanced medical technologies responsibly
- Enhancing not replacing clinical expertise
- Giving patients access to the most advanced fertility tools available
Because when it comes to fertility, every detail matters. And sometimes, finding just one sperm can change everything.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve been told you have low or no sperm or feel like you’ve run out of options there may be more possibilities than you think.
- Schedule a consultation with Maze Labs
- Learn if ESSM or AI-assisted ESSM is right for you
- Explore advanced, noninvasive options before surgery
At Maze, we combine precision, technology, and human expertise to help you move forward.
