NCT06408389 | NOT YET RECRUITING | Infertility

Detailed Description:

The time-lapse is a closed tri-gas incubator of the latest generation that provides optimal and stable culture conditions for the culture of embryos in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The integration of a camera within this incubator allows for continuous image capture, thus facilitating the monitoring of the entire embryonic development, from the day of fertilization to the moment of transfer into the uterus. The contribution of the time-lapse system allows an evaluation of the embryos not only by their morphology, but also by their cell division kinetics, both being direct markers of cell mechanics. Together, these morpho-kinetic data finally allow for the best identification of embryos with greater implantation potential. Time-lapse imaging represents a further step towards an objective assessment of the embryo, but inter- and intra-embryologist variations in annotations partly compromise this objectivity. In addition, many decision algorithms based on the evaluation of morpho-kinetic parameters have been developed, but the lack of reproducibility from one Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) center to another is a hindrance to the generalization of any particular algorithm. Machine learning is one of the main methods of data analysis that could define algorithms that are unbiased, more robust and applicable to all centers. But the optimal algorithm is not yet defined. Recently, an artificial intelligence approach applied to a large collection of time-lapse embryo images was developed to determine the embryo with the highest grade of evolution, with an AUC\> 0.98. Using clinical data, the authors created a decision tree to integrate embryo quality and female age and identify the chances of pregnancy. However, this approach did not take into account the whole kinetics of development, focusing on certain particular stages, nor the influence of parental and extrinsic factors other than age. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine morpho-kinetic factors predictive of implantation and embryo development in IVF/ICSI using machine learning algorithms and relate these morpho-kinetic factors to the mechanical characteristics of cells.