Noninvasive imaging systems for gametes and embryo selection in IVF programs: a review

Abstract

Optimizing the efficiency of the in vitro fertilization procedure by improving pregnancy rates and reducing the risks of multiple pregnancies simultaneously are the primary goals of the current assisted reproductive technology program. With the move to single embryo transfers, the need for more cost-effective and noninvasive methods for embryo selection prior to transfer is paramount. These aims require advancement in a more acquire gametes/embryo testing and selection procedures using high-tech devices. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive imaging systems in the current literatures, focusing on the potential clinical application in infertile patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments. In this regards, three advanced imaging systems of motile sperm organelle morphology examination, polarization microscopy and time-lapse monitoring for the best selection of the gametes and preimplantation embryos are introduced in full.

Altered morphokinetics in equine embryos from oocytes exposed to DEHP during IVM

“…Recently, novel embryo analysis procedures based on time‐lapse monitoring (TLM) have been established in human assisted reproductive technology (ART) (Cruz et al, ; Meseguer et al, ; Wong et al, ). These systems have also been used in some animal species, such as cattle (Somfai et al, ; Sugimura et al, ) and are currently under widespread investigation (Castellò et al, ; Goodman, Goldberg, Falcone, Austin, & Desai, ; Martínez‐Granados et al, ; Omidi, Faramarzi, Agharahimi, & Khalili, ). Before the advent of TLM, embryos could be screened for specific morphological features only at certain time points of culture, and detailed information about developmental dynamics (morphokinetics) was inaccessible (Milewski & Ajduk, ).…”

Is there any correlation between sperm parameters and chromatin quality with embryo morphokinetics in patients with male infertility?

“…The time-lapse monitoring system (TLM) has made continuous monitoring of embryo development during the culture period possible. TLM is a secure tool, with no adverse effects on the embryo, while maintaining stable culture conditions (Faramarzi, Khalili, & Soleimani, 2015;Motato et al, 2016;Omidi, Faramarzi, Agharahimi, & Khalili, 2017).…”

Quantitative approaches in clinical reproductive endocrinology

“…This represents a large amount of data which can be challenging and impractical for an embryologist to capture manually [ 21 , 22 ]. Additionally, prediction of outcomes based on oocyte quality has been attempted based on their morphology [ 59 , 60 ], texture [ 61 , 62 , 63 ], and morpho-kinetic [ 64 ] information. Furthermore, researchers have shown that the mechanical properties of human zygotes are predictive of embryo survival during the blastocyst stage, allowing one to predict within hours after fertilization whether the zygote will arrest with 90% precision [ 65 ].…”