What is EmbryoScope?
EmbryoScope or Time-lapse imaging provides 24/7 observation of the embryos through a built-in micro camera (EmbryoScope). The inspection is performed in a unique incubator, which contains all the necessary conditions for embryo development, similar to those in the uterus. The micro camera takes regular pictures of the embryos from day first of their fertilization to the day fifth of their fission. The camera does not harm the embryos or interfere with their development. The result is a film-like image gallery. The EmbryoScope is the analog of putting a camera in woman’s uterus.

Observation in the incubator avoids the stress for the embryos from the unnecessary exportation outside the incubator for additional assessment. Before their implantation, the embryos are assessed through specialized software and by an educated and skilled expert. The evaluation includes the fission speed and also the time intervals between the different stages of embryo development. The software allows embryo gradation from those best for implantation to the least in their development process.

How does it help?
The EmbryoScope provides valuable information for embryo development, including possible problems and defects. It allows the selection of embryos with best implantation potential and with a higher chance for delivering a healthy baby. It is crucial for patients with good ovarian response to Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation because it allows the selection of the best amongst apparently similar embryos through following their fission history.

According to studies, the prolonged embryo observation before their implantation makes it possible to distinguish those with chromosomal abnormalities. Based on this observation the embryos are classified into three risk categories - low, medium and high. The pregnancy rate from embryos with the lowest risk is 61%. This rate in the medium category is 5%, and pregnancies from embryos with the highest risk are 0%. This study confirms the researchers' assumptions about the connection between the embryo fission speed, the abnormalities and pregnancy rates amongst them.

When is applicable?
The EmbryoScope is used in cases of:

- Good ovarian response to Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation and a high number of collected oocytes (above 6-7 fertilized zygotes) - the aim in this cases is the selection of those embryos with higher implantation potential for delivering a healthy baby.

- Several unsuccessful IVF/ICSI procedures - the aim is to identify the reasons for implantation failure through tracking embryos peculiarities. To those patients, the result is the valuable information which guides the changes in the infertility treatment approach.

For more than 30 years the team of Dr. Shterev Hospital has been helping thousands of women and couples to feel the greatest joy - to hear the laughter of their baby. In the last years, the success rate in couples with different types of infertility has increased significantly. The main reason for this increase is the application of most modern additional techniques, which help in cases where nature cannot succeed.