Blastocyst culturing is a technique to grow embryos beyond the third day of culture. Typically with IVF, embryos are transferred into the uterus about three days after the egg retrieval. On the third day, embryos generally are between six to eight cells. Over the years, improved culture environments have allowed us to culture the embryos two additional days. During this additional culture period, the embryos continue to grow to become “blastocysts.” The natural process of embryo development begins with the fertilization of the egg in the outer aspect of the fallopian tube. As the newly formed embryo develops, it moves slowly toward the uterine cavity where it will ultimately implant. This process takes approximately five to six days. When the embryo reaches the “blastocyst” stage, it is ready to implant.
In certain patients, blastocyst culturing allows optimal selection of embryos for transfer, resulting in an increased implantation rate per embryo transferred. However, it is important to understand that this technology has another advantage of fewer embryos being transferred to eliminate the possibility of multiple pregnancies while maintaining a higher pregnancy rate.
We are pioneers in the most versatile Embryo Culture Method called BLASTOCYST CULTURE. It is a unique technique to grow embryos beyond the third day of culture. In Conventional IVF, embryos are transferred into the uterus about two / three days after the Egg Retrieval, which is two days earlier than would occur naturally in the mother’s womb. These blastocysts are endometrial friendly, as the natural blastocyst of normal conception reaches the uterus only on the 5th day and it has more implantation potential, while day 2/3 embryos are transferred into the uterus in hostile condition when the endometrium is not prepared for implantation.
The main advantage is that fewer embryos may be transferred to eliminate the possibility of triplet/quadruplet pregnancies while maintaining a higher pregnancy rate.
More than 4000 couples have been benefited by the above-said technique through GFRC (MMCH) – IVF service.
Procedure
The blastocyst culture is considered to be the most ideal way of doing test-tube baby because they mimic natural JOURNEY OF LIFE as they have transit in the fallopian tubes. To gain this advantage by mimicking the natural way, in synchrony with developing endometrium, which is ready for accepting the blastocyst only on the 5th or 6th day after ovulation, we adopt blastocyst culture system which doubles the implantation rates as compared to day 2 or day 3 ET.
“Sequential Transfer” is considered to be an ideal one for many couples when they have a limited number of embryos and there is meager chance for the leftover embryos to grow further. The physician should undertake both transfers to avoid confusions and by using very soft catheters the injury to sibling embryos and endometrial lining is avoided. This technique needs real expertise and patience and the success depends on the physician’s knowledge and experience in this technology. The embryologist should also have sufficient expertise about the Blastocyst culture technique.
The unique feature of our center as far as the IVF LABORATORY AND SCIENTIFIC WORK are concerned is, it is a complete self-satisfied to set up, sufficiently furnished with essential, standard and latest equipment for Blastocyst culture as well as Routine Embryo culture. We have well-experienced physicians and embryologists who were trained in pioneering centers worldwide, and we give everyday basis IVF service throughout the year, while most of IVF centers in India give once in two to three months IVF schedules as batches, wholly depending on external visiting experts from other cities. The 24 hours of patient care in our centre, which has all other departments with experts care, makes them feel safe and comfortable.