How EmbryoScope+® Improves IVF Success

Every step of the IVF process requires precise calibration and regulation to maximize the chances of getting pregnant. One of the most important steps in the IVF cycle is embryo culture, a process which requires close monitoring in the laboratory. New incubator systems, such as the EmbryoScope+®, are now being integrated in select fertility clinics to further improve the outcomes of embryo culture.

What is embryo culture?

Embryo culture is a very crucial element of the IVF process. The main goal of embryo culture is to improve the quality of embryos and consequently, increase the chances of conceiving a healthy baby.¹

Embryo culture occurs after fertilization of the egg, either through the introduction of egg to healthy sperm in a petri dish or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Once the eggs have been fertilized, the resulting embryos are cultured in the laboratory for 3 to 6 days.

During culture, the embryos are maintained in culture media that provide the necessary nutrients needed for growth. The embryos are then allowed to grow inside an IVF incubator, which maintains a precisely controlled environment that support the growth of the embryos.

While the embryos in culture are growing inside the incubator, their growth and overall health should be monitored closely by the embryologist. The embryologist would routinely check whether the embryos are undergoing normal cell division. At day 6 of embryo culture, the embryos already have more than 200 cells. This stage is known as the blastocyst stage. When the embryos reach this stage, they are now ready to transferred into the mother’s womb.²

What is an IVF incubator?

An IVF incubator is the major equipment in embryo culture. IVF incubators maintain the specific temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and air quality that will optimize growth of embryos. The incubator mimics the environment in the uterus and nurtures the embryo until it is ready for implantation. Having a reliable and accurate incubator promotes the optimal development of the embryos and increases the success of the IVF process.³

Most IVF clinics use conventional incubators. Conventional IVF incubators are tightly sealed in all corners to ensure that the embryos are kept in the optimal environment. However, the use of conventional incubators poses a risk to the success of the IVF cycle. This is particularly a concern during the routine checking and assessment of the embryos, in which the embryologists would open and close the incubator multiple times, remove the embryos from the incubator, and take images of each embryo to assess development. This process of removing the embryos from the incubator can induce stress which can affect the embryos’ growth and development.⁴ Frequent opening of the incubator significantly disturbs the set environment inside the incubator. The incubator would need to reset the temperature and gas levels once the incubator is closed. The air quality may also be affected, as the fine particulate matter and microbes suspended in the air may also be drawn inside the incubator, increasing the risk for contamination.

Fortunately, advancements in laboratory engineering have paved the way for the development of new technologies for IVF, including the EmbryoScope+® Time-Lapse Incubator.

What is EmbryoScope+®?

EmbryoScope+® is a state-of-the-art time-lapse incubator that is specifically designed for IVF embryo culture. Similar to conventional incubators, the EmbryoScope+® time-lapse incubator maintains the precise temperature, gas levels, and air quality that will promote the optimum growth and development of embryos. However, unlike conventional incubators, the EmbryoScope+® is engineered with a built-in camera and microscope which takes high-quality images of the embryos every 10 minutes.⁵

With the built-in camera and microscope of the EmbryoScope+®, the embryologist can monitor and evaluate the growth, development, and quality of embryos without taking them out from the incubator. This significantly reduces the stress, risk for contamination, and changes in environmental factors that can affect the embryos. The EmbryoScope+® allows embryologists to continuously monitor the embryos throughout the full course of the development – from fertilization to the blastocyst stage. The EmbryoScope+® also has the capability to create videos from the sequential images of the growing embryos. These videos can be shared with you so you can also see the growth and development of your embryos.

How does EmbryoScope+® improve IVF success rates?

Having a built-in camera and microscope that monitor the embryos inside the incubator 24/7 certainly revolutionizes embryo culture. In fact, a number of scientific studies have reported how the use of the EmbryoScope+® incubator in the IVF laboratory resulted in a significant increase in the success rates of implantation and pregnancy among infertile couples.

For instance, a study published in 2012 reported that clinical pregnancy rates increased by 20% and 15% per oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer, respectively, with the use of EmbryoScope® time-lapse incubator.⁶

Another study, published in 2014, showed that clinical pregnancy rates were higher with the use of EmbryoScope® (24.5%) than with the use of a conventional incubator (15.0%). The same study also stated that the EmbryoScope® time-lapse incubator improves the culture environment, allows detailed analysis of embryo development prior to implantation, and improves IVF results.⁷

Similar results were reported by a 2014 study that analyzed the reproductive outcomes of 843 infertile couples who underwent ICSI in a fertility clinic that used the EmbryoScope® time-lapse incubator. The results showed that embryos there were cultured in the EmbryoScope® time-lapse incubator resulted in a significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rate (51.4%) versus those cultured in a conventional incubator (41.7%). The study also reported that early pregnancy loss was significantly lower with the EmbryoScope® (16.6%) than with the use of a conventional incubator (25.5%).⁸

The efficiency of EmbryoScope® time-lapse incubator in maintaining a well-regulated environment for the optimal growth and development of embryos has also been reported. A 2017 research study that embryo culture with the EmbryoScope® time-lapse incubator yielded significantly higher proportion of good quality embryos compared with the use of a standard benchtop incubator. A higher percentage of good quality blastocysts was also recorded with the use of the EmbryoScope®.⁹

In addition to its exceptional technical specifications, the EmbryoScope® has also been noted for being the most-friendly and most suited for routine laboratory practice among the available time-lapse incubators. An IVF clinic in France reported that the integration of the EmbryoScope® in the laboratory resulted in better embryo selection and observation of cell division. Ultimately, the use of the EmbryoScope® resulted in an overall increase in IVF success rates.¹⁰

Benefits of the EmbryoScope® for IVF

The research studies mentioned above provide evidence for the numerous benefits of the EmbryoScope® time-lapse monitoring system. These benefits are outlined below:

• Eliminates the need to remove the embryos from the incubator during routine checking and documentation
• Significantly reduces the stress and disturbance to the embryos
• Decreases the risk for contamination
• Increased clinical pregnancy rates
• Improves the culture environment, resulting in good quality embryos
• Allows detailed analysis of growth parameters
• Lower rates of early pregnancy loss

How can I find clinics with EmbryoScope+®?

The use of an advanced incubator system like EmbryoScope+® definitely improves IVF success. However, not all IVF clinics have such advanced technologies. To help you find with clinics equipped with EmbryoScope+®, it is best that you consult a trusted fertility expert who will help you connect with the clinics with the most advanced systems. Your trusted fertility expert will guide and support you through all the steps in your IVF journey.

Support

Your next step towards your dream of a baby boy or girl

If you're considering IVF treatment abroad, the first step is to gather reliable information. It's important to know where IVF, egg donation, embryo donation and genetic testing, including sex selection, are allowed.

Our guide to IVF destinations in Europe provides a complete overview of the best countries for IVF. You'll discover unique options such as Northern Cyprus, a hidden gem for advanced treatments. The guide also includes a sample clinic in Northern Cyprus, with insights into costs and success rates to help you understand the options available.

With this guide, you'll have everything you need to choose the right clinic with confidence and take the next step towards fulfilling your dream of having a baby boy or girl.

Order your guide today!

Let us guide you through this life-changing journey. We will provide you with the answers to your questions and the support you need to take the next steps in your family planning journey.

Get your guide now | Contact us for support

References

• Gruber, I., & Klein, M. (2011). Embryo culture media for human IVF: which possibilities exist? J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc, 12(2), 110–117.
• Swain, J. (2014). Decisions for the IVF Laboratory: comparative analysis of embryo culture incubators. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 28, 535–547.
• Gardner, D. (2007). In Vitro Fertilization: A Practical Approach. Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.
• Montag, M. (2015). Time-Lapse-What do your embryos do while you are sleeping? (pp. 1–6). Vitrolife.
• Vitrolife. (2022). EmbryoScope Time-Lapse System. https://www.vitrolife.com/products/time-lapse-systems/embryoscope-time-lapse-system/
• Meseguer, M., Rubio, I., Cruz, M., Basile, N., Marcos, J., & Requena, A. (2012). Embryo incubation and selection in a time-lapse monitoring system improves pregnancy outcome compared with a standard incubator: a retrospective cohort study. Fertility and Sterility, 98(6), 1481–1489.
• Mizobe, Y., Akiyoshi, T., Minami, S., Matsuo, K., Fukushima, R., Yamaguchi, A., & Okamoto, S. (2014). Effect of a time-lapse incubator (Embryoscope) on in vitro culture of human embryos. J Mamm. Ova Res, 31(1), 40–44.
• Rubio, I., Galan, A., Larreategui, Z., Ayerdi, F., Bellver, J., Herrero, J., & Meseguer, M. (2014). Clinical validation of embryo culture and selection by morphokinetic analysis: a randomized, controlled trial of the Embryoscope. Fertility and Sterility, 102(5), 1287–1294.
• Sciorio, R., Thong, J., & Pickering, S. (2018). Comparison of the development of human embryos cultured in either an Embryoscope or benchtop incubator. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 35, 515–522.
• Sciorio, R., Thong, J., & Pickering, S. (2018). Comparison of the development of human embryos cultured in either an Embryoscope or benchtop incubator. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 35, 515–522.