The future of fertility

The world of fertility science is ever-changing, and as leaders in the field, we’ve got our fingers on the pulse of the latest developments. Having a baby isn’t always straightforward, in fact – sometimes it can feel like straight-up science-fiction, so let’s sort that from the facts. 

Curious about our success rates? Read all about them here.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence has been a rapidly growing area in recent years, and in fertility science, this technology is now helping select the most viable embryos. We have co-developed an AI system that perform comprehensive assessments of embryos at each stage of development to help us identify which ones have the greatest chance of developing into a healthy baby. That means we’re able to zero in on the embryo with the greatest probability of implanting, then transfer it into the woman’s uterus in IVF. Until now, an embryologist would assess an embryo’s viability based on appearance at discrete time points, but AI technology utilises more information, improving patient pregnancy results.

EmbryoScope+

This innovative time-lapse technology carefully monitors and analyses the development of embryos. It combines an incubator, high-resolution camera and software to automatically photograph an embryo every ten minutes. Scientists can review the development of embryos at any point in time without removing them from their safe incubator environment. It is through these images that we can apply our AI. It also means that the precious cargo is constantly kept at optimal temperature and pH conditions, maintaining an excellent environment for the first few days of life.

BioMarkers of Embryo Health

One of the most exciting projects in development is our biomarker trial. Previous small studies have found that by sampling the culture media in which an embryo was incubated, it was possible to measure the amount of nutrients consumed by each embryo, and that those embryos with the highest nutrient consumption gave rise to more pregnancies. We are now running a trial to measure a range of nutrients used by the embryo by taking the medium after the embryo has undergone culture. Such information could provide greater information to assist in the selection of embryo for transfer, thereby reducing time to pregnancy.

Electronic ID tracking

Known as ‘Witness’, this electronic system allocates the patient’s identity to each sample to ensure better traceability of vessels containing that patient’s eggs, embryos and sperm. This reduces the chance of error in human samples.

At Virtus Fertility Centre, we have a vast network of scientists, fertility specialists, nurses, and counsellors who are dedicated to giving you the best possible chance of having a family.

If you’re concerned about your fertility and want to explore your options, give us a call on +65 6460 4555 or fill out the form below to book an appointment.