The First Livebirth Using Warmed Oocytes by a Semi-Automated Vitrification Procedure

Area of Science:

• Reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
• Cryobiology and gamete preservation.

Background:

• Manual oocyte vitrification is prone to errors and variability.
• The GAVI™ system introduces semi-automation to oocyte vitrification, aiming for standardization.
• Oocyte cryopreservation is a critical component of modern fertility treatments.

Observation:

• Donor oocytes were vitrified using the GAVI™ system and stored.
• Oocytes were warmed, inseminated, and embryos cultured to blastocyst stage.
• Embryos underwent PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy) via next-generation sequencing.
• A single euploid embryo transfer resulted in a healthy livebirth for a 42-year-old patient.

Findings:

• The GAVI™ system facilitated the vitrification and subsequent successful warming of oocytes.
• The process led to the creation and transfer of a euploid blastocyst.
• A healthy livebirth was achieved, demonstrating the viability of the oocytes preserved with the GAVI™ system.

Implications:

• Semi-automated vitrification systems like GAVI™ have the potential to standardize global laboratory procedures.
• This technology may reduce risks associated with manual oocyte vitrification.
• Further randomized studies are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of the GAVI™ system for widespread adoption.