Transforming IVF & Embryo Selection
While Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming commonly used in our day to day lives, it is also revolutionizing the field of assisted reproduction. AI technology is set to impact IVF cycles in new and exciting ways. We can expect changes in how healthy embryos are chosen for transfer in IVF cycles leading to reduced time to pregnancy and increased chances of live birth. Embryo evaluation and selection is currently a manual process performed by embryologists in a laboratory; however several studies cite that AI is a critical part of the future for unbiased and automated embryo selection which could lead to more positive pregnancy outcomes.
Let’s hear from an expert! Embryologist and Lab Director Sharon H.Anderson PhD, HCLD
Dr. Anderson is the current Lab Director at Aligneage Fertility in New York City with over 25 years of experience as an embryologist and IVF Lab Director. We’ve interviewed her to share her perspective! Dr. Anderson reinforced that AI is an objective assessment of embryo quality and “with the current shortage of highly experienced embryologists, AI technology can assist lab teams and help to fill the geographical gaps where there are fewer experienced embryologists and offer more access to care with cutting edge technology, no matter where a patient may live”. There is subjectivity between embryologists and typically they are evaluating an embryo “during a specific snapshot in time (once a day) over the course of multiple days. However, embryos are constantly changing. AI is like ‘looking at a movie’. AI will evaluate the embryo at 11 different microscopic planes, every 10 minutes over the course of 5 or 6 days for a more comprehensive analysis”. As a result, there is a plethora of information to drive deeper learning for the embryo evaluation and selection process. While AI will not replace embryologists, it will certainly help gain efficiency and accuracy in identifying embryos most likely to result in a healthy pregnancy.
Enter AI: Have you heard of STORK-A?
According to Science Direct, funded by the National Institutes of Health, STORK-A is an AI algorithm that analyzes microscopic images of embryos alongside other factors like maternal age and clinic scoring. Here’s the exciting part: STORK-A can identify embryos with an abnormal number of chromosomes (aneuploidy) with a 70% accuracy rate!
What are the Benefits?
Less Invasive and More Cost-effective: STORK-A offers a non-invasive way to assess embryo viability, potentially reducing the need for expensive and invasive biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A ) for aneuploidy.
Improved Decision-Making: With a clearer picture of embryo health, intended parents and fertility specialists can make more informed decisions about embryo selection and next steps.
Reduced Risk and Increased Efficiency: Identifying aneuploidy early on could lead to fewer failed implantation attempts and reduced chance of miscarriages during the IVF process.
The Future of AI and IVF
Researchers are already exploring the use of video analysis to gain deeper insights into embryo development, potentially leading to even higher accuracy rates. As AI continues to evolve, the world of assisted reproduction is poised for more positive outcomes for both intended parents and surrogates.
Ready to Learn More?
Here at Alcea, we’re staying at the forefront of these advancements, and work with clinical partners committed to providing our clients with the most innovative and successful options available. A special thank you to Aligneage Fertility offers a personalized and progressive approach to fertility consultation, fertility preservation, sperm donation and fertility testing. If you’re considering building your family and are looking for more resources, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
References: