IVI makes significant advances in the safety and success of Assisted Reproduction

• IVI discovers that using slush nitrogen at -210° in embryo vitrification could increase embryo survival compared to the current technique
• Non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy is the starting point to continue to improve results and become a useful diagnostic tool
• This important research into safety is part of a total of 74 papers presented by IVI at the 76th Congress of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)

Over the last few days, the 76th edition of the Congress of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been held. IVI presented 74 papers at this important industry event. This research details significant developments for the safety and success of assisted reproduction. Safety and success are two of the four main pillars on which IVI’s success is based: ensuring the safety of our patients and cutting-edge research.

Safer methods

Safety is a fundamental pillar of IVI, now more than ever. For this reason, the vast majority of research we carry out is aimed at advancing safety and precision, designed to offer the greatest guarantee to the many women and couples who come to our clinics to achieve what they desire most. In this sense, some of the most important research that IVI presents at ASRM focuses on the vitrification of oocytes.

“One of our studies presented at this year’s edition of the ASRM Congress shows how the use of slush nitrogen at -210° for the vitrification of embryos could increase their survival rate. Our researchers have observed that cryopreservation of the blastocyst in slush nitrogen results in increased survival after thawing. This is due to the reduction in toxicity associated with vitrification compared to conventional liquid nitrogen at -196° – currently used in gamete and embryo preservation. This is promising for improving the efficiency of cryopreservation of embryos for later use, and for optimising the results of in vitro fertilisation”, explained Dr. Antonio Requena, Medical Director of IVI.

Improving preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)

Two major lines of research at IVI also presented at this edition of ASRM involve further analysis of preimplantation genetic testing. One by means of trophoectoderm biopsy and another with a non-invasive approach, which studies the culture medium of the embryos.

“It is important to highlight our studies in relation to the verification of information from genome tests. Currently, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is performed by analysing trophoectoderm biopsies. Here, we have shared a PGT-A platform we’ve developed which provides 100% accuracy in predicting embryos that will not implant. In addition, we have analysed the reliability of a non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing platform for aneupoidy (niPGT-A). At present, niPGT-A appears to lack the precision needed to be accepted as a useful diagnostic tool. Our challenge? To continue refining the results of this type of technique”, said Dr. Requena.

IVI’s commitment

At IVI, we will continue to lead and advance research to improve the techniques used in reproductive medicine, shaping the future of a specialism that helps so many dreams to come true.

“Every year, we share our most outstanding findings at the ASRM Congress. We achieve these results through our commitment to scientific research. We are aware that these studies will define the way we continue to improve the success of our treatments, always prioritising the safety of our patients. We aim not only to give them a reason to hope, but also inspire confidence that they will achieve their dream of becoming parents”, concluded Dr. Antonio Requena.