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Modified MicroSecure Vitrification: A Safe, Simple and Highly Effective Cryopreservation Procedure for Human Blastocysts
Published on: March 2, 2017
Phasing-in of vitrification into routine practice: why, how, and what
Jacki Y Y Wong1, Alice Y K Wong
1Dr Stephen Chow Chun-kay Assisted Reproduction Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong. jwongyy200505@netvigator.com
Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi
|April 8, 2011
Summary
Vitrification significantly improves embryo and blastocyst cryopreservation outcomes in in-vitro fertilisation programs. This method offers higher survival, implantation, and live-birth rates compared to slow-freezing, enhancing reproductive success.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Embryology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Cryopreservation of embryos and blastocysts is crucial in assisted reproductive technologies.
- Slow-freezing has been the traditional method for embryo cryopreservation.
- Advancements in cryopreservation techniques are continuously sought to improve success rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the laboratory and clinical outcomes of vitrification versus slow-freezing for embryo and blastocyst cryopreservation.
- To evaluate the impact of these methods on in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) program success rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 104 frozen embryo/blastocyst replacement cycles (2003-2008) and 149 vitrification cycles (2006-2009).
- Comparison of cryosurvival, pregnancy, implantation, delivery, and live-birth rates between vitrification and slow-freezing.
- Study conducted at a hospital-based licensed assisted reproduction treatment centre.
Main Results:
- Vitrification showed significantly higher cryosurvival rates for blastocysts (79% vs. 57%) and early cleavage-stage embryos (88% vs. 72%) compared to slow-freezing (P<0.05).
- Pregnancy, delivery, and implantation rates were significantly higher with vitrification for both embryo types.
- Vitrified blastocyst transfers resulted in higher implantation (31% vs. 3%) and live-birth rates (27% vs. 3%) compared to slow-freezing.
Conclusions:
- Vitrification significantly improves clinical outcomes for frozen embryo and blastocyst transfers.
- This technique enhances the developmental potential of embryos and blastocysts post-cryopreservation.
- Vitrification represents a superior method for cryopreservation in IVF programs.
