A New Algorithm for Embryo Selection?

Development of a Generally Applicable Morphokinetic Algorithm Capable of Predicting the Implantation Potential of Embryos Transferred on Day 3

Petersen BM, Boel M, Montag M, Gardner DK
Hum Reprod. 2016;31:2231-2244

Background

Many expectations have to be met during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Patients wish for cheap and effective treatment, doctors wish for effective and safe treatment, and the healthcare system wishes for low associated costs. An IVF treatment during which a single embryo with the highest implantation potential could be selected for transfer could serve the interests of both patients and providers.

The current standard practice involves once-daily evaluation of the embryos under a microscope. The decision about transfer is based on actual morphology on the day of transfer.^[1] This approach, however, results in success rates of 5%-40%, depending on patient age.^[2]

This has resulted in a search for other options to improve our ability to select the fittest embryo for transfer. Extended culture to the blastocyst stage was shown to be associated with higher pregnancy rates.^[3] In addition, various laboratory technologies have been tested.^[4]

Time-lapse (TL) embryo monitoring allows us to continuously monitor embryos without the need to remove them from the optimal culture conditions. The extra morphokinetic information could help us identify the embryo or embryos with the highest implantation potential. This study evaluated a new TL algorithm for embryo selection.

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Cite this: A New Algorithm for Embryo Selection? - Medscape - Nov 01, 2016.