Embryoscope
What is an Embryoscope™?
An Embryoscope™ is a new type of incubator that allows the embryologist to monitor embryo cell divisions while the embryos are still in the incubator. The incubator has a built-in camera that can take pictures of the embryos at timed intervals. These pictures are then combined to create a time-lapse video showing the embryo’s development at every vital stage. By watching when and how the embryos divide our embryology team can assess if development is taking place normally.
An incubator mimics the physiological conditions in a woman’s body as closely as possible to provide an optimal environment for the embryos while they are in the IVF laboratory.
What are the benefits of this new technology?
Standard Incubator Embryoscope™ Embryologists need to remove the embryos from the incubator in order to view their development. This exposes the embryos to a change in temperature and humidity. Crucial embryo assessments and images generated whilst the embryos remain undisturbed in the optimal conditions of the incubator. The embryos development will be viewed by an embryologist at longer intervals, typically around four or five times. Embryologists can see the embryos continuous development over several days. Some information will be missing, such as exactly when the embryo divided. Enhanced information available to help identify the embryos with the highest potential for pregnancy. Patient keeps a copy of their embryos time-lapse video. Is time-lapse Embryoscope™ monitoring any guarantee of IVF success?
The Embryoscope™ may improve IVF outcomes compared to a standard incubator, but this has not yet been demonstrated. It provides highly-detailed information about an embryo’s development to our embryology team so that they can identify embryos that have the most potential for successful treatment. However this does not guarantee the embryo will implant and result in a successful pregnancy and birth. There are many factors that can influence the outcome of an IVF cycle, but helping ensure that the most viable embryos are transferred is a key part of it.
Who can opt for time-lapse Embryoscope™ monitoring?
The time-lapse Embryoscope™ monitoring is available to all IVF and ICSI private patients at Complete Fertility Centre as an optional part of their treatment.
How many embryos can be developed in the Embryoscope™?
Each Embryoscope™ slot has the capacity to culture up to 12 eggs or embryos.
Find out more
You can find out more about the Embryoscope™ by downloading the Embryoscope™ information leaflet or booking an appointment with your consultant.
For information from the HFEA on the risks and benefits of time lapse imaging click here.
