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Morphometric Protocol for the Objective Assessment of Blastocyst Behavior During Vitrification and Warming Steps
Published on: February 28, 2019
Current aspects of blastocyst cryopreservation.
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.
Reproductive Biomedicine Online
|February 21, 2008
Summary
Vitrification offers higher survival and pregnancy rates for human blastocyst cryopreservation compared to slow freezing. This review assesses cryopreservation protocols for improved assisted reproduction outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Assisted Reproduction Technologies
- Embryology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Cryopreservation of human gametes and embryos is crucial for assisted reproduction.
- Extended in-vitro culture enables routine blastocyst transfer in IVF, reducing multiple pregnancies.
- Blastocyst cryopreservation offers superior implantation rates per thawed embryo compared to earlier stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review human blastocyst cryopreservation techniques, focusing on slow cooling and vitrification.
- To evaluate the impact of different cryopreservation protocols on survival, implantation, and pregnancy rates.
Main Methods:
- Review of conventional slow cooling and rapid vitrification methods for human blastocyst cryopreservation.
- Assessment of published data on survival, implantation, and pregnancy rates associated with each method.
Main Results:
- Vitrification is emerging as a preferred alternative to slow freezing.
- Vitrification appears to yield significantly higher survival and pregnancy rates.
Conclusions:
- Reliable blastocyst cryopreservation protocols are essential due to limited supernumerary blastocysts.
- Vitrification shows promise for improving outcomes in assisted reproduction programs.
