Time-lapse embryo imaging is an emerging non-invasive embryo selection technique used in reproductive biology. It is used to help select embryos with lower risk of defects and/or greater potential of implantation. The procedure involves taking thousands of pictures of the growing embryo in vitro during incubation to study morphology and morphokinetic parameters.
In terms of pregnancy rates, live births, or the risk of stillbirth or miscarriage there is a lack of evidence of sufficient quality to know if there is any difference between time-lapse embryo imaging and conventional embryo assessment in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Further trials are needed in order to determine whether time-lapse embryo imaging can impact on outcomes such as live-birth for couples undergoing IVF or ICSI.
References
- Montag M, Toth B, Strowitzki T (November 2013). "New approaches to embryo selection". Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 27 (5): 539–46. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.05.013. PMID 23933036.
- Armstrong, S; Bhide, P; Jordan, V; Pacey, A; Marjoribanks, J; Farquhar, C (29 May 2019). "Time-lapse systems for embryo incubation and assessment in assisted reproduction". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 5: CD011320. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011320.pub4. PMC 6539473. PMID 31140578.
- Armstrong S, Vail A, Mastenbroek S, Jordan V, Farquhar C (January 2015). "Time-lapse in the IVF-lab: how should we assess potential benefit?". Human Reproduction. 30 (1): 3–8. doi:10.1093/humrep/deu250. PMID 25316446.
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