The EmbryoScope allows infertility specialists to monitor the progress of fertilized eggs without ever removing them from the protected incubator. This cuts down the risk of anything going wrong, and gives doctors and patients insight into how the embryo is developing. For some patients, it may improve their chance of carrying a pregnancy to term.
How does it work?
After the egg retrieval procedure, the eggs and sperm are mixed together in the IVF lab so that fertilization may occur. At this point, they need to be placed in a protected environment so that they can begin to develop safely. The EmbryoScope is a special type of incubator which supplies the ideal nutritional and environmental conditions for embryos to grow outside the uterus. With the EmbryoScope, the embryos stay in the incubator throughout the 3 to 5 day incubation period.
The Embryoscope takes pictures of the embryo every five minutes. These images are then strung together into a small time-lapse movie which distinguishes the time frame in which the development occurs. This allows an embryologist to monitor the cell divisions and development of each embryo constantly while the embryo is still safe in the incubator.
Being able to watch the embryos grow without exposing them to conditions outside the incubator is a huge benefit, but it is only the beginning.
This means that the EmbryoScope can help an embryologist predict chromosomal abnormalities. It also tells the embryologist a lot about the further development and pregnancy potential of each embryo. These crucial time points can only be fully recorded with the help of the EmbryoScope’s time-lapse camera.
With the aid of this priceless information, the very best embryos can be selected for transfer, and patients can be given a significant amount of important information about the viability of the chosen embryos. For some patients, this improved selection process may make all the difference.
What are the advantages of the EmbryoScope?
As we said before, the EmbryoScope is a sophisticated way to improve the embryo selection process. It can help experts identify potential chromosomal abnormalities, and offers more valuable information about the embryo, the way it is developing, and its potential to survive transfer and implantation. Keeping the embryo in a controlled and protected environment at all times also helps to eliminate risks involved in moving and examining developing embryos.
Which patients will benefit from the use of the EmbryoScope?
While the EmbryoScope is a wonderful development in IVF lab technology, it is not suitable for all patient groups. Preliminary research has shown that while the EmbryoScope may offer an improvement in results, the chance is highest among patients who produce more embryos. The technology can be used for any type of patient, its benefits are best seen when people have a lot of embryos to choose from. Your doctor will be able to advise you whether this is the right choice for your IVF cycle.
