Selection of High-potential Embryos by Culture in Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Microwells and Time-lapse Imaging

Objective: To assess the developmental kinetics of human embryos and their ability to develop to morphologically normal blastocysts.

Design: Experimental study on human embryos donated for research using a time-lapse imaging system based on individual embryo culture in poly(dimethylsiloxane) microwells and monitored using a microscope inside the incubator.

Setting: Private fertility clinic.

Patient(s): Surplus embryos donated by couples after undergoing fertility treatment.

Intervention(s): None.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Blastocyst score and times required from beginning to completion of the second and third mitotic divisions.

Result(s): The time required for completion of the second division (the three- to four-cell stage) was shorter in embryos that developed to high-scoring blastocysts (0.7 hours, n = 17) than in those forming low-scoring blastocysts (3.7 hours, n = 24). Similarly, the mean time required to completion of the third division (five- to eight-cell stage) was also significantly shorter in embryos forming high-scoring blastocysts (5.7 hours) than among those forming low-scoring blastocysts (16.9 hours).

Conclusion(s): Individual embryos with the potential to develop to high-scoring blastocysts could be selected at 2-3 days of culture using this system by examining the times required to complete the second and third mitotic divisions.