Embryo Cryopreservation & Vitrification
Embryo vitrification allows viable Day 5/6 blastocysts to be preserved safely in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C without compromising their developmental potential. This enables frozen embryo transfers (FET) in optimal uterine conditions, dramatically enhancing cumulative IVF success.
Key Highlights
- >95% survival rate: Cryotop ultra-rapid freezing eliminates ice crystal formation.
- Single embryo transfers: High success per transfer with minimal twin risk.
- Indefinite storage: Embryos retain biological youth across years of storage.
Indications & Advantages
When is Embryo Freezing Indicated?
- Cryopreservation of surplus viable blastocysts from a fresh IVF/ICSI cycle.
- Patients at risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) requiring a 'freeze-all' protocol.
- When the endometrial lining is sub-optimal (too thin, premature progesterone elevation, or polyps detected) during a fresh cycle.
- Patients awaiting Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A / PGT-M) results before embryo transfer.
- Couples wishing to preserve embryos prior to oncological treatments or pelvic surgical procedures.
- Family planning to space out future pregnancies over several years using the same cohort of embryos.
Key Advantages
- Survival rate exceeding 95% after warming, thanks to state-of-the-art Cryotop® vitrification.
- Enables elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET), eliminating multiple gestations while maintaining high cumulative pregnancy rates.
- Facilitates customized endometrial preparation in a natural or medicated cycle for optimal implantation receptivity.
- Indefinite storage without loss of embryo quality, developmental competence, or chromosomal integrity.
Stages of Embryo Vitrification & FET
Extended Blastocyst Culture & Evaluation
Embryos develop to Day 5 or 6 (blastocyst stage) in tri-gas incubators, where our embryologists evaluate inner cell mass and trophectoderm morphology.
Ultra-Rapid Vitrification
Selected blastocysts undergo rapid dehydration with specialized cryoprotectants and are instantly cooled at -196 °C, avoiding cell damage.
Continuous Cryostorage in Liquid Nitrogen
Vitrified embryos are cataloged with strict double-witness identification in liquid nitrogen tanks with continuous 24/7 temperature telemetry.
Controlled Warming & Transfer (FET)
When ready, the embryo is gently warmed, evaluated for 100% cellular re-expansion, and transferred into the prepared uterus.