Improve your chances of IVF success with EmbryoScope Advanced time-lapse imaging helps select the best embryos for IVF

In the field of IVF, the biggest challenge is to select the embryo most likely to result in the birth of a healthy baby.

Improve your chances

Standard incubation means that embryologists must remove the embryo from the incubator to perform brief evaluations at fixed time-points over three to five days to assess embryo quality. The time allowed for these snap-shot evaluations is limited by the need to minimise the time embryos spend outside of the safe environment of the incubator and therefore avoid stress to the embryo. The EmbryoScope time-lapse system has revolutionised embryo culture and selection. It consists of a state-of-the-art embryo culture incubator, advanced EmbryoViewer software for improved embryo selection, and EmbryoSlide culture dish for safe embryo handling.

How does EmbryoScope work?

The EmbryoScope time-lapse system allows embryologists to monitor your embryos through the full course of their development. The specially designed EmbryoScope incubator with an integrated camera and microscope takes an image of your embryos every ten minutes. As a result, time-lapse videos of individual embryos are generated over the two to six days they remain in the incubator while the embryos stay undisturbed in their stable culture environment. Advanced software allows embryologists to use the embryo development information to select the best embryos for treatment.

Cambridge IVF can choose the embryos with the highest chances of success

Observing features of early embryo development is important for evaluating an embryo’s further developmental potential. The information gained from using EmbryoScope ensures that the embryologist has the best information possible to decide which embryos to transfer. This is a key factor for obtaining a successful pregnancy. Additionally, a decision support tool is available which was developed using information about the characteristics of embryos which are known to result in pregnancy. This information is gathered from thousands of patient cycles performed worldwide.

Cambridge IVF includes EmbryoScope culture for all patients as standard

EmbryoScope has the potential to improve IVF success. Being able to select a single embryo with the highest development potential allows for similar pregnancy rates as those from multiple transfers while lowering the risks associated with multiple pregnancy1,2. Moreover, selecting embryos using EmbryoScope has been reported to significantly reduce miscarriage rate as compared with standard methods3,4. As such, we wanted to ensure all of our patients were able to benefit from this technology by including EmbryScope culture in all of our treatment packages as standard.

Your benefit as a patient

EmbryoScope supports better embryo development by providing an undisturbed culture environment4,5.

EmbryoScope reportedly results in improved pregnancy rates for patients of all ages, including women of advanced maternal age (>40)3.

EmbryoScope supports improved IVF treatment by providing embryologists with a better basis for identifying the embryos with the best chance of resulting in a pregnancy.

EmbryoScope is the most widely adopted time-lapse system worldwide with documented improved clinical outcomes.

To find out more about EmbryoScope and how it can improve your IVF treatment please ask to speak to a member of the Cambridge IVF team. Additional product information about EmbryoScope can be found at: EmbryoScope+ time-lapse system - Vitrolife (opens in a new tab)

A note on treatment Add-ons

A treatment add-on is an optional treatment offered in addition to a routine treatment cycle. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) require clinics to be transparent regarding the evidence for such treatments so that patients can make an informed choice. Time-lapse incubation such as Embryoscope culture is considered an add-on and you can read more about the evidence for this technology on the HFEA website: Time-lapse imaging and incubation | HFEA (opens in a new tab).

References

1. McLernon et al. BMJ. 2010 (341): c6945.
2. López-Regalado et al. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2014 (178): p. 192-8.
3. Barrie, A., et al. Fertil Steril, 2013. 100(3): p. S248.
4. Rubio, I., et al. Fertil Steril, 2014.
5. Zhang, J.Q., et al. Reprod Biomed Online, 2010. 20(4): p. 510-5