This video presents “Time Lapse Embryo Imaging with CAREmaps to ‘improve’ IVF.”
- “Time Lapse images every 10 minutes of developing embryos together with morphokinetic algorithms (maps) – calculations about what the embryo should be doing at specific points in time, enables Care Fertility embryologists to predict which embryos have the highest potential for a successful pregnancy.”
Embryologists use Time Lapse Embryo Imaging (or time-lapse photography) to significantly improve IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment by using the EmbryoScope® time-lapse system (Unisense/Fertilitech, Aarhus, Denmark).
“The Vision to Conceive
Currently, assessment of embryo development in IVF is limited to brief “snap-shot” glimpses at defined time points, in order to minimize disturbances to culture conditions. However embryo development is a dynamic process and a wealth of information about embryo development history remains untapped.
The EmbryoScope™ Time-lapse System provides a safe, controlled culture environment, while allowing continuous monitoring and observation of up to 72 embryos at a time. The instrument provides a unique opportunity to develop new parameters for future embryo scoring.”
Unisense FertiliTech A/S, Denmark
www.fertilitech.com
This video presents “EmbryoScope™ time-lapse system in a clinic.”
- “See how the laboratory director and embryologist use the EmbryoScope™ Time-lapse System and the EmbryoViewer™ software at the fertility clinic at the hospital in Horsens, Denmark.”
This medical device is a state-of-the-art system, with a built-in camera providing automated and continuous time-lapse photography of “fertilized oocytes from conception until the time of embryo transfer without disturbing the culture environment.”
EmbryoScope® time-lapse system includes the following highlights:
- To assess an embryo’s development by observing cell division during key time periods.
- Image acquisition with fully automated detection and focussing of up to 72 embryos (6 patient slides with 12 embryos in each slide).
- Built-in microscope with Leica 20 x 0.40 LWD Hoffman Modulation contrast objective specialized for 635 nm illumination.
- High-quality Hoffman modulation contrast optics allows observation of key morphological features.
- Special Leica optics designed for red light at 635 nm to eliminate high energy light exposure.
- Camera resolution: 1280 × 1024 pixels, 3 pixels per μm, monochrome, 8-bit.
- Illumination for image acquisition: < 0.5 s per image, using single 1W red LED (635 nm).
- Image acquisition in multiple focal planes of all embryos every 20 min (*faster if fewer slides or focal planes are used).
- Refocus in multiple planes, replay time-lapse, or use “Live view” to assess embryo quality directly.
- Time-lapse images and all incubation parameters are automatically stored in a patient file for review at any time.
- Use the EmbryoViewer™ software to review, annotate, and compare synchronized time-lapse movies from current and previous patient embryos.
EmbryoScope® Time-lapse System
Time Lapse Embryo Imaging:
- allows the embryologists to safely and continuously monitor embryos and to observe their developmental patterns closely,
- allows the developing embryos to remain uninterrupted within the optimum conditions of the incubator, and
- provides Care Fertility embryologists 5,040 photos over five days (whereas the standard, traditional incubation provides only 6 photos over five days).
“According to CARE, the EmbryoScope® time-lapse system has raised the percentage of live births by more than 50 % in the UK.”
The EmbryoScope™ time-lapse system was cleared for clinical use in Europe in 2009 and is the only time-lapse system which is FDA cleared for clinical use in the USA.
- The technology is used in routine clinical practice by more than 275 clinics worldwide and has been used in approximately 60,000 treatment cycles.
- It is estimated that more than 10,000 babies have been born using this system.
Clinics utilize the full potential of time-lapse photography as part of this innovative medical device to help infertile couples “achieve their dream of parenthood.”