Experience of using time-lapse microscopy in IVF and ICSI programs

Abstract

In order to increase the pregnancy rate in the assisted reproductive technology, the selection of one embryo with the highest implantation potential it is very important. Time-lapse microscopy (TLM) is a tool for selecting quality embryos for transfer. This study aimed to assess the benefits of single-embryo transfer of autologous oocytes performed on day 5 of embryo incubation in a TLM-equipped system in IVF and ICSI programs. Single-embryo transfer following incubation in a TLM-equipped incubator was performed in 282 patients, who formed the main group; the control group consisted of 461 patients undergoing single-embryo transfer following a traditional culture and embryo selection procedure. We assessed the quality of transferred embryos, the rates of clinical pregnancy and delivery. The groups did not differ in the ratio of IVF and ICSI cycles, average age, and infertility factor. The proportion of excellent quality embryos for transfer was 77.0% in the main group and 65.1% in the control group (p = 0.001). In the subgroup with receiving eight and less oocytes we noted the tendency of receiving more quality embryos in the main group (р = 0.052). In the subgroup of nine and more oocytes the quality of the transferred embryos did not differ between two groups. The clinical pregnancy rate was 60.2% in the main group and 52.9% in the control group (p = 0.057). The delivery rate was 45.0% in the main group and 39.9% in the control group (p > 0.050).