Comparison Of The Embryoscope Time-Lapse System With Standard Embryo Culture at Center for Human Reproduction(CHR):an Open Label Randomized Clinical Trial

A large number of IVF centers all around the world are converting from standard embryology practice, where embryos are by embryologists manually processed during culture, to so-called "embryoscopes," where embryo culture is performed in an automated incubation system under time lapse photography.

Manufacturers of these systems (and investigators who have used these systems) claim that the availability of 24-hour time-lapse photographic control improves embryo selection and, therefore, IVF pregnancy rates. They also claim that use of this system saves laboratory personnel time. The FDA has so far, therefore, approved for sale at least 2 such systems In the USA.

(i) Our analysis of the published literature has failed to find studies in support of the claim that utilization of such equipment really improves pregnancy rates with IVF; and (ii) Investigators are concerned that CHR's highly adversely selected patient population may demonstrate different utilization outcomes from standard patient populations, especially since this equipment is usually utilized to culture embryos to blastocyst stage (days 5/6), while CHR cultures most patients only to day-3.

Investigators, therefore, contacted the manufacturer of the first FDA approved system, and explained our concerns. The manufacturer agreed to loan us one of their systems for a 4-months long study free of charge (CHR just pays a nominal amount for installation and training costs) but will be financially responsible for supplies.

During these 4 months, CHR will perform an open-label prospective (registered) and randomized clinical trial, in which investigators, based on computerized randomization, will assign all CHR patients (who agree to participate with informed written consent), either to standard embryology or "embryoscope" embryology.