Ovation Fertility™ Researchers Share Advanced Findings at 2016 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Scientific Congress & Expo
Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) October 17, 2016 -- Ovation Fertility, a premier provider of in vitro fertilization and genetics services, joins top scientists and clinicians from around the country and world at the congress, themed “Scaling New Heights in Reproductive Medicine.” The program encompasses all aspects of reproductive medicine, technology and health.
“Our company’s collaborative approach to improving clinical outcomes reflects the spirit of the of this conference” says Nate Snyder, CEO, Ovation Fertility. “We’re honored to be among the brightest minds in the country and to share some of our advanced techniques that have made a positive difference in intended parents’ lives.”
With consolidated IVF and genetics labs in Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tenn.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Newport Beach, Calif., Ovation Fertility affiliated clinics report some of the country’s highest embryo implantation rates.
Synopsis of Ovation Fertility Presentations
“Elective Single Embryo Transfer Criteria Should Be Applied to Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles,” Author Contact: Melanie Freeman, Ph.D., Ovation Fertility Nashville
This study showed the benefits of reducing the number of blastocysts transferred in a frozen embryo-transfer cycle from two to one, in accordance with single-embryo transfer guidelines of ASRM and the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology. The findings showed similar ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates between single and double embryo transfers, with the opportunity to decrease multiple pregnancy complications and fetal loss by transferring only one embryo.
“Blastocyst Morphology Is a Poor Indicator of Euploid Status,” Author Contact: Alicia Picou, B.S., Embryologist, Ovation Fertility Austin
Researchers found that structural features of a blastocyst were not a good indicator of the quality of the embryo in producing a successful pregnancy. Embryos labeled as “good” or “poor,” according to a standard morphology grading scale, showed no statistically significant difference in chromosomal status. The study indicates that marginal quality embryos therefore should undergo biopsy and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) for determination of genetic makeup.
“Day 5, 6 and 7 Blastocyst Ploidy Status Stratified by Patient Age,” Author Contact: Matthew (Tex) VerMilyea, Ph.D., Ovation Fertility Austin
The study data suggests that patients younger than 34 years have a higher rate of euploid (chromosomally normal) embryos on Day 5 of growth, compared to Day 6 or Day 7. Day 7 embryos from patients 35 to 37 years old have the highest rate of aneuploidy (chromosomally abnormal). This factor is important for patients who are considering PGS to identify chromosomally normal embryos for transfer to the uterus.
“Cryo-Injury of Human Blastocysts in a Closed System, Re-vitrification Model: Comparison of Unstable and Metastable Solutions,” Author Contact: Mitchel C. Schiewe, Ph.D., Ovation Fertility Newport Beach
Based on preliminary experiments, blastocysts are more resilient to extended exposure to solutions used for freezing than the industry previously assumed. However, scientists compared various solutions and found that a more concentrated, metastable solution produced better results than some solutions used commercially. The safety and efficacy of the higher solute concentration have been shown to be highly tolerable.
“Patients of Advanced Maternal Age Should Only Transfer One Euploid Blastocyst: A Comparative Analysis,” Author Contacts: John B. Whitney, B.S., Senior Embryologist; and Mitchel C. Schiewe, Ph.D.; Ovation Fertility Newport Beach
In this study, 140 patients who were 38 years old or older achieved a significantly higher pregnancy and live birth rate following PGS. Patients of advanced maternal age who underwent elective single embryo transfer had identical live birth outcomes compared to patients who elected to transfer two embryos. Therefore the researchers recommend transfer of a single embryo as a standard practice on the first attempt in order to avoid the complications of multiple gestations.
“Day 7 Blastocyst Euploidy and Implantation Rates Warrant Implementation for All Programs Using Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS),” Author Contact: John B. Whitney, B.S., Ovation Fertility Newport Beach
This internal study assessed whether growing embryos for an additional day is beneficial. Researchers found interesting results proving that Day 7 embryos are not only viable but can result in the delivery of healthy children at rates much higher than previously reported. The ability to grow embryos for a longer time gives more chances for all patients to achieve viable embryos for transfer to a woman’s uterus.
“Possible Patients’ Concerns Regarding the Blastocyst Euploidy Rates of Donor Oocytes,” Author Contact: Robert E. Anderson, M.D., Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine
This study took an in-depth look into the viability of embryos made from donor eggs. It used a predictive model and assessment of why many cycles without PGS fail to develop a pregnancy. This study highlights the importance of knowing the genetic constitution of embryos, even when using donor eggs, and reaffirms that morphologic grading alone is not a good predictor of a normal embryo.
About Ovation Fertility™
Founded in 2015 by a coalition of thought-leading reproductive endocrinologists and scientists, Ovation Fertility is a national fertility service provider offering a suite of state-of-the-art assisted reproductive technology services to aspiring parents, including embryology, andrology and genetic testing as part of the in vitro fertilization process. Ovation Fertility partners with prominent physician clinics that are committed to reducing the average cost of a live birth through IVF by advancing industry standards in fertility treatment. For more information, visit http://www.ovationfertility.com.
Amy Hall, Catalyst HCM, INC., http://www.catalysthcm.com/, +1 (214) 893-8214, [email protected]
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