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Beilby K, Quinn P. Appendix F: Quinn's Advantage Embryo Freeze Kit. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1568:343-354. [PMID: 28421510 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6828-2_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite a large focus on the use of vitrification to cryopreserve embryos in recent years, there are still arguments for the use of slow freezing for the cleavage-stage embryo. Having said this, there are lessons to be learned from the process of vitrification that could be applied to slow freezing to improve post-thaw survival and ultimately clinical pregnancy rates. Specifically, increasing the concentration of sucrose in the freezing solution from 0.1 to 0.2 M and subsequently increasing the sucrose concentrations in thawing solutions could prove beneficial. The use of vitrification warming solutions in the thawing of slow-frozen embryos may also be an option that not only improves survival but also streamlines product purchasing and protocols within the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiri Beilby
- Monash University, 3168, VIC, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Patrick Quinn
- Quinn's IVF Consulting, 3700 S Ironwood Dr. Lot 139, Apache Junction, AZ, 85120, USA
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Valbuena D, Póo ME, Aguilar-Gallardo C, Martinez S, Cobo AC, Pellicer A, Simón C. Comparison of Cryotip vs. Cryotop for mouse and human blastomere vitrification. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:209-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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AbdelHafez FF, Desai N, Abou-Setta AM, Falcone T, Goldfarb J. Slow freezing, vitrification and ultra-rapid freezing of human embryos: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 20:209-22. [PMID: 20113959 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2009.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2009] [Revised: 04/16/2009] [Accepted: 09/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Embryo cryopreservation is an important aspect of assisted reproduction. Many methods have been described, but they have been poorly investigated in randomized trials, highlighting the need for a systematic review of the literature. Meticulous electronic/hand searches were performed to locate randomized trials (RCT) comparing embryo cryopreservation methods. Primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and incidence of congenital abnormalities. Secondary outcomes included live-birth (LBR), ongoing pregnancy (OPR), implantation (IR), and miscarriage (MR) rates. Data were extracted to allow for an intention-to-treat analysis and analysed using a random-effects model. Literature search revealed 11 RCT, of which five were excluded. The quality of the included studies was variable, but generally poor. There was a significantly higher CPR, OPR and IR with vitrification compared with slow freezing (odds ratio (OR)=1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.03-2.32, OR=1.82, 95% CI=1.04-3.20 and OR=1.49, 95% CI=1.03-2.15, respectively). In addition, there was a significantly lower CPR and OPR with embryo ultra-rapid freezing compared with slow freezing (OR=0.35, 95% CI=0.16-0.76 and OR=0.37, 95% CI=0.17-0.81, respectively). Vitrification is superior to slow freezing, which in turn is superior to ultra-rapid freezing. However, more well-designed and powered studies are needed to further corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten F AbdelHafez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Abstract
Embryo cryopreservation is a well established technique and is used widely for embryo banking of genetically valuable strains of mice, the transport and proliferation of farm animals and as a valuable adjunct to human in vitro fertilization (IVF). The range of methods presently used to cryopreserve human embryos has been recently reviewed. This article examines the results obtained by the established freezing techniques and developments in the new rapid cooling methods. There is a dramatic contrast in the simplicity, ease and cost between these new rapid techniques and the conventional slow cooling or equilibrium freezing methods and it is likely that the rapid freezing will replace conventional freezing by slow cooling which is presently in widespread use in IVF clinics.
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Vajta G, Nagy ZP. Are programmable freezers still needed in the embryo laboratory? Review on vitrification. Reprod Biomed Online 2006; 12:779-96. [PMID: 16792858 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The predictable answer to the provocative question of whether programmable freezers are still needed in the embryo laboratory is an even more provocative 'no'. However, such a radical statement needs strong support. Based on the extensive literature of the past 5 years, the authors collected arguments either supporting or contradicting their opinion. After an overview of the causes of cryoinjuries and strategies to eliminate them, the evolution of vitrification methods is discussed. Special attention is paid to the biosafety issues. The authors did not find any circumstance in oocyte or embryo cryopreservation where slow freezing offers considerable advantages compared with vitrification. In contrast, the overwhelming majority of published data prove that the latest vitrification methods are more efficient and reliable than any version of slow freezing. Application of the proper vitrification methods increases the efficiency of long-term storage of stem cells and opens new perspectives in cryopreservation of oocytes, both for IVF and somatic cell nuclear transfer. However, lack of support from regulatory authorities, and conservative approachs regarding novel techniques can slow down the implementation of vitrification. The opinion of the authors is that vitrification is the future of cryopreservation. The public have the final say in whether they want and allow this future to arrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- Population Genetics and Embryology, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Research Centre Foulum, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.
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Abstract
Vitrification is a method in which not only cells but also the whole solution is solidified without the crystallization of ice. For embryo cryopreservation, the vitrification method has advantages over the slow freezing method. For example, injuries related to ice is less likely to occur, embryo survival is more likely if the embryo treatment is optimized, and embryos can be cryopreserved by a simple method in a short period without a programmed freezer. However, solutions for vitrification must include a high concentration of permeating cryoprotectants, which may cause injury through the toxicity of the agents. Since the development of the first vitrification solution, which contained dimethylsulphoxide, acetamide, and propylene glycol, numerous solutions have been composed and reported to be effective. However, ethylene glycol is now most widely used as the permeating component. As supplements, a macromolecule and/or a small saccharide are frequently added. Embryos of various species, including humans, can be cryopreserved by conventional vitrification using insemination straws or by ultrarapid vitrification using minute tools such as electron microscopic grids, thin capillaries, minute loops, or minute sticks, or as microdrops. In the ultrarapid method, solutions with a lower concentration of permeating cryoprotectants, thus having a lower toxicity, can be used, because ultrarapid cooling/warming helps to prevent ice formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magosaburo Kasai
- Laboratory of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8502, Japan.
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Feichtinger W. Cryopreservation techniques. Fertil Steril 2003; 79:1255; author reply 1255-6. [PMID: 12738536 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(02)04954-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Mauri AL, Petersen CG, Baruffi RLR, Ferreira RC, Franco JG. Comparison of the cryopreservation of human embryos obtained after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with a slow cooling or an ultrarapid cooling procedure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2001; 18:257-61. [PMID: 11464576 PMCID: PMC3455333 DOI: 10.1023/a:1016630721045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose was to compare an ultrarapid method (URM) modified with dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) to a slow method (SM) with propanediol (PROH) for the cryopreservation of extra human embryos in a program of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS The extra embryos of 160 patients were cryopreserved in a prospective and randomized manner (drawing lots) by a modified URM (3 M Me2SO/0.25 M sucrose/thawing in three sucrose gradients) (Group I) or by a SM (1.5 M Propanediol/program 0-Cryologic CL863) (Group II). A total of 103 cycles has been thawed thus far. The number of thawed cycles was 58 for group I and 45 for group II. RESULTS The mean age (group I, 31.3 +/- 4.5; group II, 31.9 +/- 4.3) did not differ between the groups (P = 0.38). The number of frozen embryos (group I, 6.6 +/- 3.2; group II, 6.5 +/- 3.2) was similar (P = 0.49) for the two groups, as was the number of thawed embryos (P = 0.52) (group I, 6.5 +/- 2.9; group II, 6.2 +/- 3). The survival rate was higher (P < 0.01) for group II (83.3 +/- 23%) than for group I (69.2 +/- 28.7%). The cleavage rate was also higher (P < 0.01) for group II (56.8 +/- 31%) compared with group I (24.2 +/- 22.4%). The number of embryos transferred did not differ (P = 0.14) between the groups (group I, 3.16 +/- 1.2; group II, 3.5 +/- 1.0). The implantation rate (group I, 6.3%; group II, 13.8%) was significantly different between groups (P = 0.034). Pregnancy rates per thawed and transferred cycle were higher for group II (33.3 and 36.6%, respectively) compared with group I (13.8 and 16%, respectively), and these differences were significant (P = 0.03 and P = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION The data obtained suggest that the SM is superior to the URM for the cryopreservation of extra embryos after ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. L. Mauri
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Sinhá Junqueira Maternity Foundation, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - C. G. Petersen
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Sinhá Junqueira Maternity Foundation, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - R. L. R. Baruffi
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Sinhá Junqueira Maternity Foundation, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - R. C. Ferreira
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Sinhá Junqueira Maternity Foundation, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - J. G. Franco
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Sinhá Junqueira Maternity Foundation, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Hsieh YY, Tsai HD, Chang CC, Chang CC, Lo HY, Lai AC. Ultrarapid cryopreservation of human embryos: experience with 1,582 embryos. Fertil Steril 1999; 72:253-6. [PMID: 10438990 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(99)00257-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To demonstrate the effectiveness of ultrarapid cryopreservation in human embryos. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING An IVF unit of a medical center. PATIENT(S) All cases received ultrarapid freezing (URF) of embryos and frozen embryo transfer. INTERVENTION(S) Embryos were placed in phosphate-buffered saline (PB1) + 20% maternal serum (MS) for 5 minutes. Embryos were loaded to the straws containing PB1 + MS + 0.25 M sucrose (SUC) + 3.5 M dimethyl sulfoxide for 3 minutes, and then were stored in a liquid nitrogen tank. Embryos were thawed in a 37 degrees C water for 6 seconds and then cultured in PB1 + MS + SUC for 10 minutes. Embryos were transferred into PB1 + MS for 5 minutes and were transferred into patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The embryo grades before and after URF, the survival and transferred embryo numbers, and the pregnancy and abortion rates were analyzed. RESULT(S) A total of 1,582 embryos were thawed, of which 1,273 (80.5%) embryos were transferred and 1,032 (65.2%) embryos survived with > or = 50% intact blastomere. The embryo numbers with grade I or II before and after freezing and thawing were 1,110 (70.2%) and 790 (50.0%). The mean embryo numbers per transfer was 5.0. Twenty-eight pregnancies (11.4% per transfer) were established, which included 5 miscarriages, 1 ectopic pregnancy, 4 preterm and 18 term deliveries. CONCLUSION(S) Ultrarapid freezing is worthy of reconsideration for embryo cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Y Hsieh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Lai AC, Lin BP, Chang CC, Tsai HD, Hwang VW, Lo HY. Pregnancies after transfer of ultrarapidly frozen human embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 1996; 13:625-8. [PMID: 8897121 DOI: 10.1007/bf02069640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We report our experience of freezing human embryos using an ultrarapid freezing method. METHODS The patients were superovulated. Oocytes were inseminated and cultured in HTF + 10% serum. A maximum of three embryos was transferred and the rest of the embryos were frozen ultrarapidly after a 3-min equilibration period in PB1 + 3.5 M DMSO + 0.25 M sucrose. Embryos were thawed in a 37 degrees C water bath for 6 sec, then cultured in PB1 + 20% serum for 10 min. The surviving embryos were transferred into patients on the same day of thawing. RESULTS Sixty-three embryos were thawed, of which 52 embryos (83%) survived with at least one intact blastomere. Nineteen frozen-thawed embryo transfers were made. The mean embryos per transfer was 2.7. Three pregnancies (16%/transfer) were established. One miscarriage occurred in the eighth week of pregnancy. Two pregnancies went to term and three healthy infants were born. CONCLUSIONS The present data demonstrate that ultrarapid freezing is a method worth consideration in the area of human embryo freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anderson Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Vasuthevan S, Ng SC, Bongso A, Ratnam SS. Embryonic behavior of two-cell mouse embryos frozen by the one- and two-step ultrarapid techniques. J Assist Reprod Genet 1992; 9:545-50. [PMID: 1299388 DOI: 10.1007/bf01204252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A modified two-step ultrarapid freezing technique was compared to the one-step ultrarapid freezing technique. Two-cell mouse embryos were frozen-thawed using the two freezing protocols, and postthaw cryoprotectant removal was carried out in either a single- or a multiple-step procedure. RESULTS Statistically similar cryosurvival (96.95-100%) and blastocyst formation rates (87.95-91.47%) were obtained with both freezing groups. In addition, the method of cryoprotectant removal did not have any significant effect on the survival and development of the frozen-thawed embryos in both groups. Blastocysts formed following single-step cryoprotectant removal had significantly lower inner cell mass counts in the one-step than in the two-step group (26.14 and 27.59, respectively; P < 0.05). Embryo transfer studies showed that the implantation and fetal formation rates of embryos frozen by the two-step technique (61.67 and 60.0%, respectively) were similar to those of embryos frozen by the one-step technique (74.12 and 71.76%, respectively). CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that the ultrarapid two-step technique is as effective in cryopreserving two-cell mouse embryos as the ultrarapid one-step technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vasuthevan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore
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