Embryoscope to benefit couples

Fertility center Nova IVI Fertility recently discussed about the Embryoscope.

The technology is normally used in difficult or failed IVF cases and it enables the doctor to analyze the embryo quality by selecting only the best embryos.

The extra information is particularly beneficial for patients with the lowest chances of pregnancy - such as older women, or those with reduced egg counts and unexplained cases of infertility.

The incubator has a built-in camera to capture automated time lapse imaging of fertilized oocytes in a safe environment, from conception until the time of transfer.

The captured images of each embryo are automatically recorded at preset intervals and provide detailed information about the timing of cell divisions and other critical events.

Rohit Gutgutia, Clinical Director, Kolkata, said, “The method is advantageous to parents who have had failed IVF procedures with traditional incubators. Currently, IVF clinics check if an embryo is fit for implantation by manually removing the sample for observation under a microscope. In the case of an embryoscope, the sample is constantly maintained in an incubated condition at 37 degrees Celsius and there is no need of exposing the sample to the external environment which could potentially harm the embryo quality. While one in every three IVF couples achieve a successful pregnancy, with the use of embryoscope the success rate of conception pushes it by 17-20%, thus making parenthood possible for one in every two couples. It also helps in the better selection of embryos and hence we can transfer fewer embryos to achieve pregnancy.”

The Embryoscope can monitor up to 12 embryos at once, and take photos of each embryo every five to 20 minutes for the entire duration of the incubation period. The incubator is capable of capturing 1,500 images in three days, which can be accessed by the embryologist anywhere. This reduces the need to have round-the-clock monitoring by embryologists at the laboratory.

Gutgutia added, “For parents, the Embryoscope has become a tool to capture their future child’s growth in real time from the time of conception, unlike Ultra Sonography which allows you to monitor the growth of the baby during the pregnancy term”.