Vitrification Technology - Advanced Cryopreservation Technique
Vitrification is an improved cryopreservation technique for oocytes and embryos that generates a glass-like state, preventing the creation of ice crystals during the procedure, thanks to the nature of the cryoprotectants utilized and an incredibly fast cooling rate. The cellular activity is effectively stopped when stored in liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees Celsius), allowing the oocytes/embryos to remain alive indefinitely.
When patients opt to try for pregnancy with their cryopreserved oocytes/embryos, they will undergo a reverse thawing process in which the cryoprotectant will be replaced with water, rehydrating the cells.
Vitrification Technology For Treating Infertility
In vitro fertilization (IVF) patients may create numerous eggs (oocytes) that will be formed into embryos if fertilization occurs. One patient may need to freeze (cryopreserve) his or her oocytes or embryos for a variety of reasons. The production of intracellular ice crystals is typical cryopreservation methods (slow freezing) can damage the structure of the cells, reducing their viability.
Who is this for?
- Hormonal profile that isn’t right
- Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome Poses a Risk (OHSS)
- Polyps, hydrosalpinx, or hydrometra may be present.
- On the day of the oocyte retrieval, there were no spermatozoa.
Patients with extra good grade embryos in addition to the embryos chosen for transfer Those embryos can be vitrified to increase their odds of having a baby in future embryo transfers without having to go through a new stimulation cycle.
