Pregnancy achieved by transfer of a single blastocyst selected by time-lapse monitoring

Abstract

Appropriate selection of a single blastocyst for transfer decreases the risk of multiple gestations. By using a compact time-lapse microscope system placed inside a regular incubator, combined with a microwell embryo culture dish, the development of all the embryos from a patient was continuously monitored by obtaining images at 10 min intervals. The embryos were not moved during the time-lapse observation. The system was switched off completely between image acquisitions in order to avoid exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The analysis of time-lapse records was used to choose a single blastocyst for transfer, which resulted in a singleton pregnancy and birth of a healthy boy on term