Vitrification
A new freezing technique known as vitrification allows oocytes and embryos to be “flash” frozen. Our laboratory has been a pioneer in using this technology for freezing of embryos. Our embryologist performed the first vitrification in 1991. He also assisted in the lab that made the first live birth in Taiwan, 1995.
Vitrification involves rapid freezing of eggs and embryos at rates of -15,000º C in high concentrations of cryoprotectant. This is achieved by placing the cell in very miniscule fluid volumes of less than one micro liter and using very special vessels for the freezing. This technique transitions the eggs or embryos quickly into a “glass-like state,” minimizing the potential for ice crystal formation during the freezing process.
The Advantages of Vitrification:
· Increased successful pregnancy outcomes
· Expands fertility preservation to include egg freezing.
The Specific benefits of egg freezing:
· Egg cryopreservation, as an alternative to embryo preservation, has the potential to resolve ethical issues that can occur when couples who have undergone IVF become pregnant and struggle with excess embryos they may no longer need.
· For young women undergoing chemo or radiation treatment for cancer, this technology provides an opportunity to preserve fertility by banking their eggs.
· Vitrification has greatly improved outcomes with egg cryopreservation. However, successful egg freezing is still in its infancy.