Among the many recent advances in assisted reproduction therapies (ART), improved technologies for identifying viable oocytes, sperm, and embryos are of primary importance. Paradoxically, the latest advances presented at conferences and symposia are often slow to become part of the daily routine in IVF laboratories. Detailing established and developing techniques, A Practical Guide to Selecting Gametes and Embryos provides a user-friendly text of ready-to-use ARTs that can be utilized effectively in the lab. In this volume, renowned embryologist and educator Markus Montag and his expert panel highlight sophisticated and proven selection strategies and emphasize the importance of proper lab practice in handling gametes and embryos. Topics include: Steps undertaken for the analysis of a semen sample Quality control and prevention of exposure to toxins in oocyte collection and embryo culture Morphological selection of gametes and embryos Both commonly used and innovative techniques for gamete and embryo selection, such as oxygen respiration and time-lapse imaging Invasive techniques, including polar body, embryo, and blastocyst biopsies as well as aneuploidy testing by FISH and array-CGH Accompanied by numerous figures and descriptions, this guide to selecting gametes and embryos brings the insight of international authors with knowledge and expertise, highlighting practical tips and key points. The book offers a starting point for applying successful selection strategies for reducing the rate of high-risk multiple gestations while maintaining or increasing viable pregnancy rates.

Among the many recent advances in assisted reproduction therapies (ART), improved technologies for identifying viable oocytes, sperm, and embryos are of primary importance. Paradoxically, the latest advances presented at conferences and symposia are often slow to become part of the daily routine in IVF laboratories. Detailing established and develo

This book is a complete guide to setting up an IVF laboratory. Beginning with an introduction to the history and the basics, the following chapters take clinicians through the full set up and management process, from air quality control and cryopreservation facilities, to morphological embryo assessment, sperm processing and selection techniques, to document management systems. A separate chapter provides an update on semen analysis based on World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and interpretation of results. Written by an extensive author and editor team from the UK, Europe and the USA, this practical manual is invaluable for embryologists and IVF specialists planning to set up and manage an IVF laboratory successfully. Key points Practical guide to setting up and managing an IVF laboratory Provides step by step process Includes chapter on semen analysis based on WHO standards and interpretation of results Extensive author and editor team from UK, Europe and USA

This manual will provide embryologists and clinicians with a clear, informative overview of the tools to assist in embryo selection.

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure practised worldwide, with patients and practitioners expecting higher live birth rates and excellent standards of quality as methodologies become more established. This practical book covers every stage in the life of an IVF laboratory, from designing and planning the laboratory to training the embryologists and ongoing management and troubleshooting, providing step-by-step protocols for today's best practice. Chapters follow the same structure, allowing readers to translate complex and specialized procedures into a standard workflow. Several new chapters are included in this second edition, including descriptions of the protocol for piezo-ICSI, safe and effective cryostorage of embryos, and how to manage emergency situations in the IVF laboratory. Written by an international team of experts, this is an exemplary portfolio of techniques, providing a good foundation of working practice for both new and experienced embryologists.

Compiled by two experts in Reproductive Medicine, with contributions from internationally respected specialists, this innovative text lets the whole team in Reproductive Medicine get literally on the same page. Taking a cook-book approach to the operational procedures in the laboratory and in the clinic, it details what needs to be prepared in advance, what needs to be prepared earlier the same day, and what steps to take before, during, and after the procedure itself. This is an essential tool for ensuring all staff - whether experienced or starters - can be confident in their tasks and are in touch with what is expected of them and their colleagues.

Unlike conventional single daily observations, time lapse technology provides hundreds of images, which allows pinpointing of key events in the embryo's in vitro development as well as the detection of brief but significant critical changes. This information is beneficial in selecting the most viable embryos from a cohort and increases the chances

Now in its revised and expanded second edition - including over 20 new chapters - this comprehensive textbook remains a unique and accessible description of the current and developing diagnostic and treatment techniques and technologies comprising in vitro fertilization (IVF). Arranged thematically in sections, each chapter covers a key topic in IVF in a sensible presentation. Parts one and two describe the planning, design and organization of an ART unit and IVF laboratory and equipment and systems, respectively. The sections that follow provide detailed descriptions of IVF techniques, embryo culture methods, sperm processing and selection, insemination procedures, micromanipulation, embryo evaluation, cryopreservation, and embryo transfer. Concluding sections address issues of management and regulation of ART labs across the globe, as well as special topics and emerging techniques and devices. Chapter authors, all experts in the field, contribute their expertise from around the world. With the addition of learning key points and review questions at the beginning and end of each chapter, this new edition of In Vitro Fertilization is a readily accessible, high quality instructional resource for reproductive medicine trainees at all levels. Practicing reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, and embryologists also will find value in the book, as will infertility researchers.

Up-to-date, comprehensive textbook for IVF practitioners covering the basic science and practical details that underpin successful IVF.

Implantation is a complex phenomenon, still not thoroughly understood, involving the embryo and the endometrium. Successful implantation is considered to stem from an efficient combination of various embryo and/or maternal factors. Repeated failure of any of these factors or of their combination might decrease the chance of implantation and eventually lead to recurrent implantation failure. Despite technological advances, only about a quarter of In Vitro Fertilization procedures will result in live birth, leading many couples to experience multiple failures. This text from international experts explores the various factors at play and offers a helpful summary of the state of knowledge to help guide clinicians in their management of this complex and important problem. Contents: What is Recurrent Implantation Failure? * The psychosocial aspects of recurrent implantation failure * The role of life-style factors in RIF * Endocrine causes of recurrent implantation failure * Congenital uterine anomalies and recurrent implantation failure * Immunological causes of recurrent implantation failure * Acquired uterine conditions, reproductive surgery, and RIF? * Thrombophilia: diagnosis and management in women with recurrent implantation failure * Andrological causes of RIF * Diagnostic evaluation of RIF? (Modalities and algorithm) * Optimizing embryo culture for RIF? * Optimizing endometrial receptivity for patients with recurrent implantation failure: The role of progesterone on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation * Is there a role of follicular phase LH and E2 on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation for embryo implantation? * Manipulating the endometrium: Can RIF be managed by inducing endometrial inflammation or by the use of novel research therapies * The embryo in RIF: Genetic selection and strategies for improving its implantation potential * Is oocyte donation efficient in patients with RIF? * Sperm donation and RIF? * Optimizing embryo transfer technique for RIF management * Proposed management of patients with recurrent implantation failure and directions for future research * When should patients abandon treatment?