Together. All the way.

Once again the biggest event in the field of assisted reproduction, ESHRE, has taken place. More than 12 000 delegates gathered in bustling Barcelona for updates on the latest science and of course to meet with old and new friends. As usual the Vitrolife team has put together some reflections and updates on what is going on in our community.  We also provide a new chance to watch our symposium. 

When evaluating the effect of time-lapse on clinical outcome, the technology should be considered as a full system combining the benefits of undisturbed embryo culture with the benefits of continually monitored embryo development and using the time-lapse information to make decisions about prioritising embryos for transfer and cryopreservation.

The 12th Alpha Biennial Congress recently took place in spectacular Reykjavik, Iceland. Around 400 participants gathered on the faraway island to get updates on the latest research in the field of IVF. For those of you who could not attend, team Vitrolife has put together a recap of the highlights.

EmbryoScope time-lapse system is used in combination with preimplantation genetic testing at IVF Riga. Medical Director Dr. Violeta Fodina says that this makes it possible to select only the best embryos for genetic testing, thereby reducing the time to pregnancy and delivery of a child. Watch her story here. 

The human embryo is extremely sensitive to stress and surrounding factors. In fact the embryonic stage is the most sensitive stage of the whole life cycle. This is why it is particularly important to use safe and non-toxic products during gamete handling and embryo culture. In this recorded webinar Dr. Christer Silversand will show how you can create optimal culture conditions by understanding the importance of extensive quality testing and using an unbroken chain of quality products.

This year, San Antonio was the place to be when participating in the annual meeting of ASRM. Similar to previous years, professionals from all over the world gathered to present or listen to the latest scientific developments in the field of assisted reproduction. We have collected our thoughts and reflections of the scientific content of the meeting in this blog post. 

Lab Director and co-owner Dr. Oliver Sterthaus at Fertisuisse in Switzerland built a completely new IVF clinic in 2014 with his colleagues. When setting up the new lab, convenience and workflow were important factors, and therefore they decided to use the dynamic Octax NaviLase laser system for all laser procedures. Watch his story here. 

Vitrification has in recent years become the cryopreservation method of choice, with high survival rates and developmental potential of oocytes and embryos similar to fresh ones. Yet there are challenges to overcome, both for the oocyte and embryo and for the embryologist. In this recorded webinar Dr. Ann-Helene Jakobsson will give you insight into how to succeed with vitrification. 

“Maintaining the correct temperature is a critical environmental factor for gametes and embryos and needs to be carefully monitored. You must be aware of confounders as hot and cold spots on warming plates, laminar hood or ventilation flows and open or closed lid to ensure a safe working temperature”, says Jan Gunst, clinical embryologist at the public IVF clinic at AZ Sint-Jan in Bruges, Belgium. Watch his story here.

This year, Geneva was the place to be when participating in the annual meeting of ESHRE. Similar to previous years, professionals from all over the world gathered to present or listen to the latest scientific developments in the field of assisted reproduction as well as to meet with colleagues.