Culture and transfer of viable blastocysts: A feasible proposition for human IVF

Abstract

In spite of the numerous advances in the field of human assisted reproductive technologies (ART) over the past 20 years, a rate-limiting factor in the overall efficiency of the procedure (the implantation rate) has remained at 10-30%. The development of sequential media has led to the ability to culture routinely the human embryo to the viable blastocyst stage. Transfer of such blastocysts has resulted in a significant increase in implantation rates. Increases in implantation rates following blastocyst transfer have been reported for specific groups of patients culminating in the elimination of high order multiple gestations. Of greater significance, however, is that the introduction of blas..