Appendix E: Rapid-iTM: Closed Vitrification Device by Vitrolife

Abstract

Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos is a growing technique in numerous reproductive fields including human-assisted reproduction. With improved understanding of embryo physiology and optimized culture conditions, there are now more embryos than ever to vitrify for potential use in subsequent cycles. Many gametes and embryos have been cryopreserved in open systems, but there are concerns with regard to contamination from the liquid nitrogen and also cross-contamination between patients' germplasm. The development of the Rapid-i™, a closed vitrification device that does not use direct contact with liquid nitrogen during vitrification or subsequent storage, will be discussed as well as clinical protocols for human oocytes and embryos.

Electrofusion Stimulation Is an Independent Factor of Chromosome Abnormality in Mice Oocytes Reconstructed via Spindle Transfer

“…But it remains unknown whether there is a correlation between the temporary disappearance of the spindle and inhibition of premature activation. Since oocytes are particularly sensitive to temperature, cooling treatment for more than 10 minutes may cause irreversible spindle damage (12)(13)(14), and change in incubation temperature as little as 0.5°C significantly affects mouse embryo development (15). In addition, a slight increase in incubation temperature may promote tubulin assembly, enhance the spindle birefringence, and make the spindle clearer under the microscope (16).…”