Infertility: Results of decentralized in-vitro fertilization treatment with transport and satellite clinics

Abstract

The results of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments carried out in a university IVF centre are compared with those obtained following 15-40 min transportation of oocytes from a transport IVF clinic to the central IVF laboratory of the university centre. Moreover, treatment results following monitoring of ovarian stimulation in satellite clinics, combined with ovum retrieval at the transport clinic and transport of oocytes to the central IVF laboratory, are described. In a total of 5540 IVF treatment cycles, 24-26% of viable pregnancies per embryo transfer were found in the three groups. Comparison of results, obtained with the three different treatment modalities, showed no negative influences of transporting oocytes from transport clinic to IVF laboratory and of monitoring ovarian stimulation in satellite clinics. It is concluded that decentralization of the clinical phase of IVF treatment is possible. This leads to a more optimal use of existing laboratory facilities in large urban areas. It is stressed that good communication between satellite clinic, transport clinic and IVF laboratory is necessary for a decentralized IVF programme. To obtain good quality assurance, both the satellite clinic and the transport clinic must adhere to the same protocol.

Clinical evaluation of frozen/thawed embryo transfer following transport of oocytes and embryos

“…PREVIOUS TRANSPORT ART studies have already indicated no differences in rates of fertilization, cleavage, transfer or pregnancy with conventional IVF and ICSI using the transport oocyte method and performed entirely at the ART center. Delay as a result of transportation in commencement of culture does not reduce the pregnancy rate, reduce the ability during ICSI of the oocyte to endure sperm injection, or subsequent embryo development and ability to implant 7–16 . We have also achieved favorable results with our round trip method, where transported fresh embryos are implanted at satellite clinics 6,17,18 .…”

“…Delay as a result of transportation in commencement of culture does not reduce the pregnancy rate, reduce the ability during ICSI of the oocyte to endure sperm injection, or subsequent embryo development and ability to implant. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] We have also achieved favorable results with our round trip method, where transported fresh embryos are implanted at satellite clinics. 6,17,18 These results suggest that transport does not affect the viability of oocytes or fresh embryos.…”

Application of EU Tissue and Cell Directive screening protocols to anonymous oocyte donors in western Ukraine: Data from an Irish IVF programme

“…Although satellite monitoring in IVF has been described previously (Roest et al 1995), this is the first known documentation of an EU medical institution coordinating fertility treatment with an organisation outside the EU. These data also validate current IMB donor screening guidelines and show how they can interlock with medical institutions located outside the EU.…”

Decrease of Free Thyroxine Levels after Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation1

“…Our IVF program has been described in detail previously (8). Ovarian stimulation consisted of a 1-mg GnRH-analog sc or intranasally from cycle day 1 to days 10 -12, 225 IU human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) im from day 3 to days 9 -11, and 10,000 IU hCG im 35 h before follicle puncture.…”