In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process that brings hope to many couples facing infertility. Despite its effectiveness, traditional IVF procedures are complex and subject to numerous challenges. However, the development of the time-lapse incubator represents a significant advance, offering new opportunities for monitoring and improving the success rate of IVF procedures.
What is the Geri Time-Lapse Incubator?
The Geri Time-Lapse Incubator is a sophisticated device that allows for continuous monitoring of embryo development during the IVF process. This incubator uses built-in cameras that capture images of the embryos at regular intervals. The result is a series of images that can be played back as a video, providing detailed insight into the development of the embryos from the moment of fertilization to their transfer to the uterus.
Personalized Embryo Development Approach
The Geri tray for embryo development has 16 slots for monitoring individual embryos from the same patient. In this way, embryos share a group culture, leading to improved embryo development.
Individual chambers are customized for the patient from the start of embryo development all the way to the embryo transfer, ensuring optimal conditions for growth and development.
Benefits of the Time-Lapse Incubator
1. Continuous, Non-Disturbing Monitoring: Time-lapse incubators allow for the monitoring of embryo development without the need to remove them from the incubator. In traditional methods, embryologists often have to remove embryos from the incubator for observation under a microscope, which can cause temperature and environmental changes that may negatively affect the embryos. Time-lapse technology eliminates this need, providing more stable conditions for embryo development.
2. Detailed Analysis of Embryo Development: Thanks to continuous monitoring, embryologists can analyze key stages of embryo development with great precision. This technology allows for the identification of optimal embryos for transfer, which increases the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy. Subtle changes and patterns in development that might otherwise go unnoticed can be detected.
3. Increased Efficiency and Success: Time-lapse incubators enhance the efficiency of IVF procedures. By providing deeper insight into embryo development, embryologists can make more informed decisions about which embryos have the highest potential for achieving pregnancy. Studies have shown that the use of time-lapse technology can increase pregnancy rates and reduce the rate of spontaneous miscarriages.
4. Automation and Standardization: This technology allows for the automation and standardization of the embryo monitoring process, reducing the possibility of human error. The software used in conjunction with time-lapse incubators can analyze images and recognize patterns that indicate embryo quality, providing objective data for decision-making.
5. Improved Patient Experience: Couples undergoing IVF procedures are often under great stress. Time-lapse technology offers a more transparent and informed approach, where couples can see the development of their embryos in real-time. This visualization can be a source of emotional support and understanding of the process they are going through.
Creating Optimal Conditions for Embryo Development
Temperature
Dual heating elements in each chamber ensure temperature stability. These heaters allow for rapid recovery of the set temperature value within 60 seconds of closing the lid, providing optimal conditions for embryo growth.
Six Separate Chambers
Each chamber is independently controlled and designed for monitoring the development of embryos from one patient.
Continuous Embryo Development
State-of-the-art system for continuous monitoring of embryos with an individual high-resolution camera microscope.
Light
The light source in the cameras is adjusted for examining embryos in the early development stages, which are also the most sensitive.
Gas
For optimal embryo development, a certain concentration of gases is required. In Geri time-lapse incubators, each chamber has a high-sensitivity sensor that consistently maintains the gas level at optimal conditions.
Humidity
Proper embryo growth requires a certain level of humidity in the incubators. The Geri incubator has a sensor in each chamber that continuously monitors the humidity level, which can also be checked on the incubator screen itself.
Conclusion
The time-lapse incubator represents a significant advancement in the field of IVF, offering new opportunities for monitoring and improving the success of treatments. This technology not only improves conditions for embryo development but also allows for more detailed analysis and objective decision-making. As a result, couples using time-lapse technology have a higher chance of a successful outcome and achieving their dream of parenthood. As the technology continues to develop, we can expect even greater improvements in the efficiency and experience of IVF procedures.
If you are considering IVF or want to learn more about how time-lapse incubators can improve your path to parenthood, contact our team of experts today. We are here to support you every step of the way.
