Clinical outcomes resulting from the transfer of vitrified human embryos using a new device for cryopreservation (plastic blade).
OBJECTIVE
We attempted clinical application of a plastic blade, which is a novel cryopreservation device, for vitrification of human embryos and blastocysts.


METHODS
Between February 2003 and December 2007, a total of 4,430 Day 3 embryos from 898 patients (Day 3 group) and 55 blastocysts from 29 patients (blastocyst group) were vitrified and cryopreserved with a plastic device, and subsequently thawed for embryo transfer. Clinical outcomes after thawing and transfer of vitrified embryos and blastocysts were evaluated.


RESULTS
In the Day 3 group, all embryos resulting from 1,441 oocyte retrieval cycles were recovered, and the thawed embryo survival rate was 98.4%. In the blastocyst group, the survival rate after thawing was 100%. A total of 3,026 day 3 embryos and 46 blastocysts were transferred. The pregnancy and implantation rates in the Day 3 group were 25.0% and 15.5%, respectively, and in the blastocyst group the rates were 24.2% and 26.1%, respectively. The miscarriage rates in the Day 3 and blastocyst groups were 18.3% and 50.0%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
A plastic blade is a useful novel device in cryopreservation of vitrified human embryos.
Sugiyama
Rikikazu
R
Division of Reproductive Medicine, Sugiyama Clinic, 1-53-1, Ohara, Setagaya, Tokyo, 156-0041, Japan.
Nakagawa
Koji
K
Shirai
Asako
A
Sugiyama
Rie
R
Nishi
Yayoi
Y
Kuribayashi
Yasushi
Y
Inoue
Masato
M
D000328:Adult; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology*; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005615:Freezing; D006801:Humans; D010969:Plastics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
D010969:Plastics