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The simple answer is, it can’t. In a well-functioning culture system, the oil should only act as a cover, protecting the gametes and embryos from changes in the environment and potential contaminants. But if the oil quality is sub-optimal, it can decrease embryo development. Most oils are produced from petroleum, which means that embryotoxic components may be present due to the production process and origin of the raw materials.

This year, the annual meeting of ASRM 2021 was back in its physical form, and we where there in-person with a great team from Vitrolife. For those of you who couldn´t attend the meeting or want to update yourself again on the interesting sessions, we have compiled this blog post, with thoughts and reflections from the Vitrolife team on some of the scientific content presented at the meeting.

Introduction

Cryopreservation or cryostorage of gametes and embryos involves storage at ultra-low temperatures (under -140°C). The preservation refers to the ability to maintain cellular functionalities and viability after thawing or warming.

Liquid nitrogen is inert, odorless, colourless, non-corrosive, non-flammable, and extremely cold. It has been the substance of choice for cryostorage in most applications as it achieves temperatures of -196°C (-320°F) when materials are fully submerged.

Why there is a need for the sustainable development goals 

The establishment in 2015 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has created a global consensus on the development framework for a better world. However, as we look to the next decade, there is significant cause for concern about the future. The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment report, released in August 2021, confirms that it is indisputable that human influence has warmed the climate system, raising global surface temperature. The report confirms that there is no going back from some changes that are already affecting the climate system. These changes in the climate are widespread, rapid and intensifying and impacts are affecting every region on Earth, including the oceans.

Introduction to Medical Device Regulations - MDR

For 30 years medical devices have been governed by the Medical Device Directive (MDD) implemented in EU/EEA in 1993, and there have been quite a few developments in the field of medical devices since then. For instance, apps used as stand-alone products for different medical purposes have become a reality. The general population has become older, patients are more used to finding medical information on the internet, and the beauty industry uses more advanced and invasive techniques than before. These changes, and more, have prompted an update of the control of medical devices for some time. Eventually, the new Medical Device Regulations (MDR) were developed and came into force on May 26, 2021. From this date, all new medical devices and the manufacturer’s quality management system must comply with the MDR. Implementation deadlines for existing devices are dependent on classification and expiry of existing MDD certificates.

The unique design of SENSE™ provides ideal conditions for optimised oocyte retrieval performance and aspiration time as well as improved patient comfort. Prof William Ledger is Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University of New South Wales and Director of Reproductive Medicine at The Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney. In this video, Prof Ledger shares his expertise, experience and why he has chosen to use SENSE™ follicle aspiration for all his patients.

Controlling pH in embryo culture media is often perceived as difficult by embryologists. Still, to maintain the optimal physiological pH range of 7.20 – 7.40 is essential to maintain oocyte and embryo viability. Many functions in embryo cells such as glycolysis, protein metabolism, cytoskeletal dynamics​, cell transport and epigenetic functions are all dependent on pH.

This is an abbreviation of Jason Swain (2019) publication with emphasis on the oil used for medium overlay written by Ann-Helene Jakobsson, Vitrolife. 

Perfect oil for IVF should do nothing but protect the culture. It should not have any negative influence on the gametes, embryos or media by adding unwanted or removing necessary components. However not all oils are or act the same. In this blog post I will guide you through different types of oil and things to consider when choosing oil for your IVF culture.

This blog focuses on EmbryoGlue^® as there are now three Cochrane reviews showing improved clinical outcome when using this transfer medium, which contains a functional concentration of hyaluronan. The Number Needed to Treat (number of patients treated with EmbryoGlue to achieve an additional live birth) is reported to be around 17 patients, so perhaps the use of this specifically created transfer medium should not be considered an add-on, but rather a standard of care.