Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a fertility treatment that involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization. Here are some important things to know about ICSI:
ICSI is often used in cases of male factor infertility, when the man has a low sperm count or abnormal sperm shape or motility. It may also be used in cases of failed IVF cycles or when the couple is using donor sperm.
The ICSI process involves collecting eggs from the woman and sperm from the male partner or a sperm donor, and then fertilizing the eggs in a laboratory dish using the ICSI technique. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the woman’s uterus.
The success rate of ICSI varies, and depends on factors such as the couple’s age, the cause of infertility, and the quality of the eggs and sperm. On average, the success rate for ICSI is about 50% per cycle.
ICSI is generally considered a safe procedure, but there are some potential risks and side effects, such as bleeding, infection, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). There is also a small risk of multiple pregnancies with ICSI.
ICSI can be more expensive than other fertility treatments, and may not be covered by insurance in all cases. Couples considering ICSI should discuss their options with a fertility specialist and consider the financial implications of the treatment.
It is important for couples undergoing ICSI to have realistic expectations about the chances of success and to be prepared for the emotional and physical demands of the treatment process.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in here is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not rely on the information provided here for decision-making or self-treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
Our ever-changing and rapidly evolving urban lifestyle is fueled by technology innovations in IT – telecom, medicine and food. These innovations have significantly improved the quality of our life in terms of superior digital connectivity and access to information, easy access to quality healthcare services and food commodities. However, our modern lifestyle and occupational activities have also put us under increased exposure to various potentially harmful chemicals such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals and pesticides. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to these chemicals, exhibit disruptions in male and female fertility, in both human and animals. [1, 2]
What are VOCs?
Where do they come from?
Why does it matter?
Concentrations of most volatile organic compounds are higher in indoor air than outdoor air
Consequently, exposure of gametes and embryos to such harmful chemicals can have detrimental effects on their growth and development. The environment requirements for gametes and embryos were initially adapted from tissue culture laboratory systems [3]. Better understanding and increased commercial interest for gametes and embryos has led to the recognition of the importance of laboratory air quality as an important factor for the safety of gamete and embryos in IVF clinics.
Several studies (primarily conducted between 1990 – 1998) have shown that poor laboratory conditions in fertility clinics, particularly the air quality can result in impairment of gametes and embryo development thereby reducing the success-rates of such fertility clinics. In fact, studies of air quality in the older ART/IVF laboratory/clinic designs (1990 – 1998) have indicated high concentrations of VOCs (like toluene and iso propyl alcohol) compared to outdoor environment, especially in the incubators. [3, 4]
Most of these IVF clinics/labs had high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters which can remove particulate materials of size ~ 0.3 microns. However, HEPA filters offer limited protection from VOCs. VOC concentration greater than 1 ppm is considered high and can cause direct toxicity to embryos. Embryo development occurs reasonable well at VOC levels of ~ 0.5 ppm, however chances of miscarriage is also very high in such cases. The VOC levels should ideally be zero or at least less than 0.2 ppm. [5]
Carbon activated air filtration (CODA) systems were first implemented in 1997 and provided efficient filtration of VOCs. Clinics which installed CODA systems in addition to HEPA filters reported an increase in high quality embryos, reduction in miscarriages and higher clinical pregnancies. [5]
Regulatory bodies in the European Union and Brazil have specified the air quality requirements in ART laboratories in view of the damaging effects of VOCs and other air contaminants. [6]
Due to the growing amount of evidence suggesting that air contaminants can affect IVF outcome, cleanroom specifications for particulate and microorganism contamination in IVF laboratories have been enforced by European Union laws under Directive 2006/86/EC.
– Esteves and Bento (2016), Asian Journal of Andrology
Heitmann et al (2015), reported a study wherein the mere improvement of air quality in their IVF facility by adopting CODA filters and strategic engineering designs of their lab, yielded nearly 10 % higher live births. No other changes were made to the laboratory equipment, protocols and lab personnel. [7]
Embryo implantation (32.4% versus 24.3%; P < 0.01) and live birth (39.3% versus 31.8%, P < 0.05) were significantly increased in the new facility compared with the old facility.
– Heitmann et al. (2015), Reproductive Biomedicine Online
In another study, Khoudja et al. (2012) studied the influence of the use of a novel-air purification system on IVF outcomes. Their air purification system removes airborne molecular contaminants and chemical air contaminants in addition to VOCs. The results were compared to the outcomes prior to filter change. Few performance indicators are summarized below:
Improvements observed in IVF laboratory performance indicators after changes in air handling systems [5]
It can be clearly inferred from
these studies that improvements in the air quality is fundamental for healthy
embryo development and successful implantation rates, thereby coinciding with
higher live births.
From this discussion, it is therefore imperative that fertility centers have better awareness about the importance of air quality and the factors which can contribute to air contamination inside clinics. The use of certain building materials such as vinyl, paints and fabrics can also contribute to increased VOC level in the clinic environment. New ventures in the IVF domain may unknowingly install vinyl flooring and other such materials for increased aesthetic appeal. This may inadvertently cause elevated levels of vinyl chloride (a known carcinogen) and other VOCs thereby posing a risk to all the stakeholders involved. Understanding and adherence to safety norms in IVF clinics will go a long way in ensuring high success rates of such clinics.
Acronyms
IVF – in-vitro fertilization
ART – Assisted Reproductive Technology
VOC – Volatile Organic Compound
References
[1] Rattan, S., Zhou, C., Chiang, C., Mahalingam, S., Brehm, E., & Flaws, J. A. (2017). Exposure to endocrine disruptors during adulthood: consequences for female fertility. Journal of Endocrinology, 233(3), R109-R129.
[2] Ten, J., Mendiola, J., Torres-Cantero, A. M., Moreno-Grau, J. M., Moreno-Grau, S., Roca, M., … & Bernabeu, R. (2008). Occupational and lifestyle exposures on male infertility: a mini review. The Open Reproductive Science Journal, 1(1), 16-21.
[3] Cohen, J., Gilligan, A., Esposito, W., Schimmel, T., & Dale, B. (1997). Ambient air and its potential effects on conception in vitro. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 12(8), 1742-1749.
[4] Hall, J., Gilligan, A., Schimmel, T., Cecchi, M., & Cohen, J. (1998). The origin, effects and control of air pollution in laboratories used for human embryo culture. Human reproduction, 13(suppl_4), 146-155.
[5] Khoudja, R. Y., Xu, Y., Li, T., & Zhou, C. (2013). Better IVF outcomes following improvements in laboratory air quality. Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 30(1), 69-76.
[6] Esteves, S. C., & Bento, F. C. (2016). Air quality control in the ART laboratory is a major determinant of IVF success. Asian journal of andrology, 18(4), 596.
[7] Heitmann, R. J., Hill, M. J., James, A. N., Schimmel, T., Segars, J. H., Csokmay, J. M., … & Payson, M. D. (2015). Live births achieved via IVF are increased by improvements in air quality and laboratory environment. Reproductive biomedicine online, 31(3), 364-371.
Our team was at ACE 2019 held in Chennai, at the Leela Palace on 20th-21st July 2019. There were two-parallel sessions held on both days. The event was well-attended by Doctors, Clinicians, Embryologists, Medical Technologists, Manufactures etc. The SpOvum® team had a stall for 2 days (from 20th – 21st July 2019). The products highlighted on our stall were the RoboICSI® Dashboard and the RoboScope time-lapse imaging system. Stall visitors were gifted our customized SpOvum® pens!
Our team at ACE 2019, Leela Palace, Chennai
Some of the noteworthy talks of ACE 2019 were
“Unraveling the Secrets of Embryo Implantation” By Dr. Deepak Modi from NIRH, Mumbai
“Doing ART legally” by Hitesh Bhatt
“Is time lapse monitoring of embryos the future of embryo culture?” by Suresh Kattera
“Can KPIs help programs identify shifts in quality?” by Dean Morbeck
“Using artificial intelligence (AI) and time-lapse to improve human blastocyst morphology evolution” by Marcos Meseguer
There were also several interesting panel-discussions including one on “Real case scenarios in ART and management” and on “When good embryos fail…why and what next?”.
There was an engaging debate session on “Time-lapse imaging and incubation” wherein Dr.Keshav Malhotra spoke in favor of the technology and Dr. Pranay Ghose debated against it.
Interaction with Dr. Deepak Modi and Dr. Keshav Malhotra
Take home messages from ACE 2019
Views on Time-lapse imaging studies on embryos
Most clinicians/doctors were of the opinion that Time-lapse imaging of embryos, currently offered by commercially available devices, may not add much value to the existing ART procedures. One of the main hindrances, they believe, is the high cost involved in investing in a Time-lapse imaging system when it is possible for an embryologist to manually record/monitor the embryo development at various stages.
Most clinicians do not prefer being burdened with the additional amount of data obtained through Time-lapse imaging systems. Clinicians/doctors are also not particularly convinced about what additional value is delivered by Time-lapse imaging systems to an existing ART procedure especially when it is offered as an extra payable service to patients.
However, clinicians/doctors showed willingness to invest in Time-lapse embryo imaging systems, if:
It is offered at a lower cost
Some amount of automation and pre-processing of
the image-data, which will enable the embryologists to look at only
relevant/selected images
We believe this will be an advantage for us to effectively market the our own time lapse imaging system which aims at providing a cost-effective means to obtain time-lapse images of the developing embryo after IVF procedure. The TLM also has automated ability to monitor multiple embryos and there is promising scope to include image-processing and AI to the system.
Views on RoboICSI® Dashboard
There are many EHR and EMR handling systems. The RoboICSI® Dashboard features a distinct advantage wherein it offers ART related specialized data management to all the stake-holders involved in the ART procedure. The stake-holders include the Patients, the Doctors, the Clinicians, the Embryologists etc. They were particularly impressed that the Dashboard® does not require multiple entering of the same data and automated report generation.
Another important highlight was, more doctors presenting algorithms and more comfortable and pliant in handling large amounts of data.
Overall, our team had a great time at ACE 2019 and it was great opportunity to learn from other experts, connect with several doctors, clinicians, technologists and IVF service providers. We also got numerous constructive feedback on our products and many visitors also requested an early access to the RoboICSI® Dashboard.
Our team also had wonderful time trying out the local cuisine and also visited the famous Marina Beach in Chennai. After the event of ACE 2019, we bid farewell to one of our team members, Shubham who had worked with us since 2018. We wish him the best for his future endeavors.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a laboratory dish, and then transferring the resulting embryo into the woman’s uterus. Here are some important things to know about IVF:
IVF is often used in cases of infertility that cannot be treated with other methods, such as when the woman has blocked or damaged fallopian tubes or the man has a low sperm count. It may also be used in cases of unexplained infertility or when the couple is using donor eggs or sperm.
The IVF process involves several steps, including hormone injections to stimulate the production of multiple eggs, egg retrieval, fertilization of the eggs with sperm in a laboratory dish, and embryo transfer.
The success rate of IVF varies, and depends on factors such as the couple’s age, the cause of infertility, and the quality of the embryos. On average, the success rate for IVF is about 40% per cycle for women under 35, but decreases significantly for older women.
IVF is generally considered a safe procedure, but there are some potential risks and side effects, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), bleeding, and infection. There is also a small risk of multiple pregnancies with IVF.
IVF can be expensive, and may not be covered by insurance in all cases. Couples considering IVF should discuss their options with a fertility specialist and consider the financial implications of the treatment.
It is important for couples undergoing IVF to have realistic expectations about the chances of success and to be prepared for the emotional and physical demands of the treatment process.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in here is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not rely on the information provided here for decision-making or self-treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. Here are some important things to know about IUI:
IUI is often used in cases of unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or when the woman is using donor sperm.
The process involves collecting sperm from the male partner or a sperm donor, and then washing and concentrating the sperm to increase the chances of fertilization. The sperm is then placed inside the woman’s uterus using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter.
IUI is usually done in the office of a fertility clinic, and the procedure takes only a few minutes. The woman may be given medications to stimulate ovulation in order to increase the chances of success.
The success rate of IUI varies, and depends on factors such as the couple’s age, the cause of infertility, and the use of fertility medications. On average, the success rate for IUI is about 10-20% per cycle.
IUI is generally considered a low-risk procedure, but there are some potential side effects and complications, such as cramping, bleeding, and infection.
Couples considering IUI should discuss their options with a fertility specialist and weigh the potential risks and benefits of the treatment. It is also important to have realistic expectations about the chances of success.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in here is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not rely on the information provided here for decision-making or self-treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
RoboICSI was at ACE Goa 2018 from 17th-19th August at Holiday Inn resort. We had a 3 day stall were many embryologist, clinicians, distributors, freelancers, students, manufacturers, IVF product suppliers visited to know about the technology and the working of the product. We had a live demo setup for the visitors to get a feel of it.
RoboICSI Soft Demo at the stall
There was a poster presentation by the team as well which was on ” Mechanics based characterization of oocytes using grippers” that explains about how bio-mechanical properties helps us to distinguish good and bad oocytes .
Poster presentation on ” Mechanics based characterisation of oocytes using grippers”
Dr Keshav Malhotra had presented a talk on “Automation in IVF” where he had talked about RoboICSI under Automation of ICSI on the 3rd day of the conference.
Clinics/ embryologists who were interested for a free demo of RoboICSI signed up with us at the stall to get to know more about the product.
There is a free signup for hands on training on RoboICSI at world-class Santaan-Origio Academy. To sign-up please do visit our blog post Hands on Training on RoboICSI
RoboICSI Team at the stall in ACE Goa 2018
Santosh Bhargav giving a demo at the stall to the visitors
Dr Ramnath Babu & Dr Santosh Bhargav explaining how the product works
Happy to be at ACE Goa 2018
RoboICSI Team had a wonderful stay and experience at ACE Goa conference 2018. We got to meet many embryologists, Clinicians, Companies who were ready to connect and get to know about the product even further.
If there are any enquiry regarding the product, dashboard or any other information please visit our website RoboICSI Website
Yet another opportunity for the people who have missed to meet RoboICSI and the team behind it.
Where? : 7th Annual congress, ACE Goa 2018 at Holiday Inn resort
When? : Aug 17- 19th 2018
There are three segments at the conference where you can interact and know about the device and its interesting features.
A 45 mins workshop on the device RoboICSI – Get to know about technology, benefits and many other interesting information.
Stall– To have a hands on experience of the device, we are having a stall at the conference. You can walk into the stall to have a feel of the device and meet the team behind this device.
Poster presentation of RoboICSI on the topic – “Mechanics based characterization of oocytes using Grippers”
Hands on training on RoboICSI at World- class Santaan- Origio Academy ,provides expert level experience in handling the device with ease. This training will be suitable for both Beginners and professional embryologists who are interested in learning about the new technology that RoboICSI works.
To register please fill out the form in the link below
RoboICSI Team was at KISAR 2018 at Hotel Le Meridien, Bangalore on July 14th and 15th. There was a presentation and a two day stall at the venue for RoboICSI. A soft-demo setup of the device was kept at the stall were anyone could have a hands on experience of the device.
Many keen doctors, embryologists, clinicians, scientists visited the stall and used the device to get a feel of the product. Lot of questions, suggestions, feedback were given by the visitors.
There was also a quiz conducted by the team for the visitors. The quiz was very simple were they had to grade a given oocyte image. The idea behind the quiz was to make them understand that how easy it will be to grade the oocytes using the RoboICSI Dashboard. A special goody was given to all participants. It was a Petri dish holder, which also works in the same principle as RoboICSI – “compliant mechanism”.We had 20 enthusiastic visitors who took up the quiz.
RoboICSI team had a very attractive offer of providing the Dashboard free for first 6 months for all the visitors who had signed up with RoboICSI at KISAR. There was a total of 35 people who had signed up for the free Dashboard. The username passwords were sent to them the very next day.
These are few photos from the event:
Dr. Santosh Bhargav presenting about RoboICSI at KISAR 2018
RoboICSI Team at the stall
Dr. Ramnath Babu at the stall, explaining about the device
Dr. Santosh Bhargav presenting about RoboICSI at KISAR 2018
Dr. Ramnath Babu at the stall, explaining about the device
