Although morphologic assessment of embryos is an accepted method for embryo scoring, the possibility of using the Time-Laps (Embryoscop) has opened a new era of monitoring cell cycle division, cellular and developmental events may serve as a promising tool for embryologists in selecting embryos for transfer between many.
Aim:
In this preliminary study we used the Time-Laps (Embryoscop) to explore whether there is any benefit in using the Embryoscope in patients with less than 5 oocytes.
Materials and Methods:
Fertilized oocytes of patients with less than 5, were incubated in the Embryoscop on the basis of free place. The data of 26 patients (78 embryo) (most of them in age above 35) were compared with the data of 72 patients (150 embryos) who were treated at the same period without being incubated in the Embryoscop.
Results:
In patients above 35 years old with less than 5 oocytes the transfer rate was higher (88.2% vs 75.0%) in the Embryoscop group although not significant.
However, the embryo transfer rate was significantly higher (92.3% vs 66.7% respectively) and less "no-transfer" events occurred in the Embryoscop group (p<0.02). Clinical pregnancy rates were similar (33% vs 30%). Results in patients aged > than 35 were similar.
Conclusion:
When only few embryos are available, improved culture conditions by continuous uninterrupted incubation in the Embryoscop may improve embryo survival.
The results in terms of clinical pregnancy rates and live birth warrant further analysis in larger samples.
