Examples include the birth of children from cryopreserved embryos (1982), microfertilization (ICSI) where we insert a sperm into the egg ensuring fertilization in cases of severe sperm disorders (1988), biopsy of embryos for prenatal, implantation () the culture of the embryos up to the blastocyst stage and the application of the vitrification method for egg cryopreservation (1999) which paved the way for the preservation of female fertility.
Today we have managed to solve most fertility problems and so on. Some of the achievements of the present lead us to an even more hopeful future.
The latest technology embryo incubators
State-of-the-art embryo incubators allow their uninterrupted growth in the laboratory in a perfectly stable environment, where the ideal temperature is precisely regulated, the air is purified via HEPA / VOC filters and the built-in gas mixer ensures critical oxygen concentrations.
The embryos of each pair are locked in their own position and thus zero the intervals when their microenvironment is disturbed by the opening of the incubator to control other embryos. In addition, these incubators have a built-in camera that captures images of the embryos at regular intervals and even with multiple levels of focus (computer vision). The development of each embryo is transformed into a video whose study leads to conclusions about its quality. This includes artificial intelligence, which with special software where data from hundreds of thousands of embryos have been registered and using algorithms, becomes the most reliable calibration of each embryo, so that the best is transferred to the woman. Along with the feedback of the system, the choice is also related to the possibility of achieving pregnancy. Many studies have linked the use of these embryos to an increase in pregnancy rates. The Health IVF Embryogenesis Unit uses these sophisticated incubators, while our embryology team has developed in collaboration with leading international universities (Cambridge, Nottingham) an original and innovative artificial intelligence system that improves results.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) of embryos
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) of embryos for chromosomal disorders is now performed at the blastocyst stage with analysis of all chromosomes. Thus, once the transfer of an “even” embryo is ensured, the implantation rates are up to 80%, even for older women. And we do not stop here. With the non-invasive PGT technique we receive this information indirectly from cells located in the culture fluid, avoiding injury from the biopsy. Our team is a pioneer in this field as well, applying the method with encouragement
Results.
The micro- and macro-environment of the embryological laboratory
The purity of the air in the laboratory is directly related to the success rates since the embryos are very sensitive and should not be exposed to any toxic or pathogenic factor. Thus, it is impressive that with the Aire-IVF system that we have installed in our Unit (the only one in Europe), the success rates jump by + 14.9%.
Also, specific quality control indicators are recorded and evaluated at regular intervals, in order to identify and deal instantly with any problem. Finally, with the electronic tracking and identification system RI Witness that we use in the Unit, eggs, sperm and embryos are identified and matched electronically with the pairs from where they came from and thus, it is practically impossible to make a mistake at any stage.
All of the above lead us to a bright immediate future, where more and more couples will solve problems efficiently and quickly
infertility.
So let’s fasten our seatbelts and enjoy the flight.
Writes:
Evangelos Makrakis Obstetrician – Gynecologist
Assisted Reproduction Specialist
Scientific Officer HYGEIA IVF EMBRYOGENESIS Unit
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