Time-lapse embryo imaging

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Time-lapse embryo imaging is an emerging non-invasive embryo selection technique used in reproductive biology. It is used to help select embryos with lower risk of defects and/or greater potential of implantation. The procedure involves taking thousands of pictures of the growing embryo in vitro during incubation to study morphology and morphokinetic parameters.[1]

In terms of pregnancy rates, live births, or the risk of stillbirth or miscarriage there is a lack of evidence of sufficient quality to know if there is any difference between time-lapse embryo imaging and conventional embryo assessment in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).[2] Further trials are needed in order to determine whether time-lapse embryo imaging can impact on outcomes such as live-birth for couples undergoing IVF or ICSI.[3]

References

  1. ^ Montag M, Toth B, Strowitzki T (November 2013). "New approaches to embryo selection". Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 27 (5): 539–46. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.05.013. PMID 23933036.
  2. ^ Armstrong, S; Bhide, P; Jordan, V; Pacey, A; Marjoribanks, J; Farquhar, C (29 May 2019). "Time-lapse systems for embryo incubation and assessment in assisted reproduction". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 5: CD011320. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011320.pub4. PMC 6539473. PMID 31140578.
  3. ^ Armstrong S, Vail A, Mastenbroek S, Jordan V, Farquhar C (January 2015). "Time-lapse in the IVF-lab: how should we assess potential benefit?". Human Reproduction. 30 (1): 3–8. doi:10.1093/humrep/deu250. PMID 25316446.