OBJECTIVE: To study the application of image processing for segmentation of blastocysts images and extraction of potential variables for prediction of embryo fitness. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Single reproductive medical center. IVI-RMA (Valencia, Spain) between 2017 and 2019. PATIENTS: An initial dataset including 353 images from EmbryoScope and 474 images from Geri incubators was acquired, of which 320 images from EmbryoScope and 309 images from Geri incubators were used in this study. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Successful segmentation of images into trophectoderm (TE), blastocoel, and inner cell mass (ICM) using the proposed processing steps. RESULTS: A total of 33 variables were automatically generated by digital image processing, each representing a different aspect of the embryo and describing a different characteristic of the expanding blastocyst (EX), ICM, or TE. These variables can be categorized into texture, gray level average, gray level standard deviation, modal value, relations, and light level. The automated and directed steps of the proposed processing protocol exclude spurious results, except when image quality (e.g., focus) prevents correct segmentation. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed image processing protocol that can successfully segment human blastocyst images from two distinct sources and extract 33 variables with potential utility in embryo selection for ART.
Despite the use of new techniques on embryo selection and the presence of equipment on the market, such as EmbryoScope® and Geri®, which help in the evaluation of embryo quality, there is still a subjectivity between the embryologist’s classifications, which are subjected to inter- and intra-observer variability, therefore compromising the successful implantation of the embryo. Nonetheless, with the acquisition of images through the time-lapse system, it is possible to perform digital processing of these images, providing a better analysis of the embryo, in addition to enabling the automatic analysis of a large volume of information. An image processing protocol was developed using well-established techniques to segment the image of blastocysts and extract variables of interest. A total of 33 variables were automatically generated by digital image processing, each one representing a different aspect of the embryo and describing a different characteristic of the blastocyst. These variables can be categorized into texture, gray-level average, gray-level standard deviation, modal value, relations, and light level. The automated and directed steps of the proposed processing protocol exclude spurious results, except when image quality (e.g., focus) prevents correct segmentation. The image processing protocol can segment human blastocyst images and automatically extract 33 variables that describe quantitative aspects of the blastocyst’s regions, with potential utility in embryo selection for assisted reproductive technology (ART).
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