Embryoscopy (Time- Lapse Verfahren)

The success of an IVF or ICSI therapy depends significantly on the quality of the embryos transferred.

An incubator provides the best possible environmental conditions for the cells so that the embryos can undergo optimal development.

In classical oocyte culture, the fertilized oocytes/embryos are examined once a day under the microscope outside the protective environment of the incubator. This means potential stress for the cells, which can severely impair embryonic development. Embryo development in this classical procedure remains a "black box" in which the laboratory employee does not know what happens in the time between two controls.

Embryoscopy makes it possible to continuously observe and evaluate the development of fertilised ova and embryos in a special incubator. For this purpose, a photograph of the developing cells is taken at short intervals using a high-tech microscope equipped with a camera. A special analysis software creates a temporary time-lapse image of each individual embryo from these images. An experienced employee from the IVF laboratory can evaluate the cell development and select not only the optimal cells, but also the right time for a successful embryo transfer. This is not possible with a conventional incubator.