How is Timelapse Imaging helpful in IVF Process

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a process where eggs are fertilised by sperm outside of the female body in a lab to create an embryo. In this process, experts fertilise more than one egg in the lab to create multiple embryos to ensure the success of the process. Embryos are then kept in the incubator for 3-5 days for further development. Not all embryos are capable of initiating pregnancy. To identify the good quality embryos, embryo grading is done on the cleavage stage (Day 3) and the blastocyst stage (Day 5) of fertilization. Only 25% of embryos are selected for the next step. Once the optimal embryos are selected, they are implanted into the mother’s uterus. The success of the IVF cycle depends on the quality of the selected embryos. Conventionally, embryo selection is done by observing the embryo morphology. Embryologists perform embryo grading to select the best quality embryos for guaranteed conception. Embryo grading is a subjective process in which embryologists observe the development and morphological structure of embryos to select the finest embryos for the next step. In Time-lapse Imaging (TLI), a camera captures images of embryos at regular intervals. This helps embryologists determine a high-quality embryo without hampering their state. Earlier, for observation, embryos were first removed from the incubators and then kept under the microscope. This transmission of embryos from incubator to workstation for observation may affect their development and hamper the expected results.   The Advantages of Timelapse Imaging Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour, the IVF specialist doctor in Delhi, explains that, unlike traditional observation, this technology does not disturb embryo growth. It has the following advantages: Lesser human intervention helps maintain the quality of the embryo. Regular embryo monitoring ensures accuracy as it uses computerised analytical devices. This method provides embryologists with more precise data on embryo development. Lesser exposure time out of the incubator provides embryos with sufficient time for development. It provides risk-free and continuous embryo screening, thus saving the time of embryologists by taking it out of the incubator every time they test it.   Technology Used in Timelapse Imaging There are various time-lapse systems available based on different technologies. The primary methods of all time-lapse systems are similar. The most frequently used time-lapse systems are Embryoscope and Primo Vision. The technology used in both systems is bright-field technology. The images of each embryo are captured every 5–20 minutes with the help of the digital inverted microscope embedded in the system. Finally, photos are displayed on the screen after getting processed through the image acquisition feature. Embryologists can zoom, rewind, or fast forward the photos on the computer screen as per the requirements to collect the required information.The research   is still going on around this technology for better performance. The aim is to develop such an efficient technology that can eliminate the chances of multiple births in IVF. This technology can ensure a high-quality embryo, so rather than implanting multiple embryos in the womb, only one highly potential embryo is implanted. One embryo will lead to only one live birth. For the finest IVF treatment, contact SCI IVF Hospital.