The evolution of promising assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures like Timelapse Monitoring has brought about a marked change in IVF solutions. Having this method as a reliable way of assessing embryo and egg health has been crucial to the increase of successful outcomes in rounds of IVF treatment.
Let’s get right into how Timelapse Monitoring has been bringing about change to the fertility scene.
What is Timelapse Embryo Monitoring?
Timelapse embryo monitoring is a non-invasive imaging technology in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures to assess the health and viability of an embryo or its components. This setup consists of a series of high-definition cameras that continuously capture high-resolution images of embryos at regular intervals throughout their cycle before implantation.
These images are then scrutinized for morphokinetic analysis, to assess cleavage patterns, blastulation timing, and allow embryologists to detect developmental anomalies early. This then helps fertility specialists pick out the healthiest most likely viable embryo to prepare for implantation.
Why Timelapse Monitoring Matters
The key factor here is its reliability in predicting the viability of an embryo or egg. In traditional methods, embryos were assessed periodically through their cell counts, the approximate number of divisions, and the presence of the zona pellucida. However, this only resulted in a fraction of the implantations actually carrying on.
In contrast, timelapse monitoring automatically captures high-definition images of the embryo at set intervals. This means that fertility experts now have a clearer picture of nearly the entire division process leading up to implantation, giving them deeper insight into the viability of the embryo based on various factors. The implementation of Timelapse Monitoring has since resulted in increased implantation rates reaching double that of the traditional method.
How Timelapse Monitoring Helps in IVF
Traditional embryo assessments were not only invasive, they required the intervention of humans – natural sources of error. But, with Timelapse Monitoring, looking into the embryonic cell at its various stages can be accurate and less invasive, in that it :
- Does not require biopsies of the embryo
- Minimizes handling of the embryo, preventing physical damage
- Details morphology, cell division timing, and captures nearly every stage in crisp clear images.
Come In AI & Big Data
With AI, Timelapse Monitoring takes a step further with complex and defined algorithms detecting key developmental stages to be compared to their historical data. As a result, AI can now compare, contrast, and reliably determine which embryos have the best chance of survival at implantation. This could very well be a game-changer, further shooting up existing IVF success rates.
The adoption of Timelapse Imaging to support IVF efforts are expected to completely change fertility and ART procedures as we know it. As AI models become more precise in their predictions, embryo selections will have a higher success rate, making IVF an even more reliable method of conception for those with dreams of parenthood.
This article is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here are general in nature and do not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.
