Roundtables for CRB Registrants

Ten roundtable leaders will discuss their topics of interest on Thursday, May 14, following the CRB Business Meeting/Luncheon. There is no additional cost to participate, and you will earn CEUs for participating. Seating is limited – sign up early. Click here to view the registration form or contact Shannon Hood by email: crb-aab@aab.org or telephone: (314)241-1445.

Advancing Technologies to Improve IVF Outcome, G. Harton - FULL

A number of programs are quietly reporting issues associated with shipping embryos. A review of the printed statements from both major shippers in the US shows that embryology laboratories who are shipping embryos may be legally liable if problems occur during shipping. We will discuss some of these legal issues as well as review some data re: shipper handling and storage characteristics of shippers that may have an impact on embryo cryosurvival after shipping.

Clinical Experiences with Egg Freezing: Tips and Tricks for Success, E. Schenkman - FULL

I will be discussing our success with egg freezing/thawing, how it differs from embryo vitrification and presenting data from our use of thawed eggs and fresh donor eggs and how the outcomes differ from each other.

We will discuss data indicating that strict morphology does not correlate with outcomes in ART with or without the use of ICSI. Additionally, the discussion will center around interpretation of “fertility potential” based on the standard semen analysis parameters and how important is morphology in the interpretation.

Overview of the Latest Technologies of Time-Lapse Imaging: EmbryoScope^TM and Eeva^TM, L. Ramírez - ​FULL

During the last years time-lapse imaging technology combined with embryo morphokinetics has emerged as a new approach to improve the selection of embryos with the highest potential to implant. The two main systems, Embryoscope (Unisense FertiliTech) and Eeva (Auxogyn), allow for the assessment of the embryo development without the excursions from the incubator, although their software and imaging differ. In this roundtable we will discuss their main characteristics, the differences between the systems, and their current and potential roles in the clinical setting.

Prostacyclin Enhances Human IVF Success, A. Wun

In the pursing of enhancing ART success, we have looked at the bioactive molecule produce from fallopian tube. Prostacyclin (PGI2) has been found produced in the fallopian tube after ovulation in human and mouse model (Huang et al, 2002; 2004).PGI2 stable analogue (Iloprost) is a FDA approved medication for pulmonary hypertension (Ilomedin, Bayer Schering Pharma). In mouse model, we have observed Iloprost significantly increased the complete hatching, implantation and delivery rates. By using donated frozen human zyotes, we have observed Iloprost increase the blastocyst formation rate and quality of blastocysts (Grunert et al, 2005). With IRB approval and register in National Clinical Trail (NCT 301838), the safety study has shown Iloprost does not have negative effect instead of enhancing blastocyst formation and quality of blastocyst (Dunn et al, 2011). This roundtable presentation is to present and discuss the preliminary clinical trial results. The preliminary results show that the Iloprost can significantly increase the IVF pregnancy rate.

Setting Up Embryo Donation in Your Program, S. Jindal - FULL

Shipping Embryos: Should We?, M. Angle - FULL

A number of programs are quietly reporting issues associated with shipping embryos. A review of the printed statements from both major shippers in the US shows that embryology laboratories who are shipping embryos may be legally liable if problems occur during shipping. We will discuss some of these legal issues as well as review some data re: shipper handling and storage characteristics of shippers that may have an impact on embryo cryosurvival after shipping.

Sperm DNA Fragmentation as Related to Pregnancy Outcome and Toxicology, D. Evenson - FULL

Clinical relevance of sperm DNA fragmentation/chromatin condensation and potential treatments to minimize these negative factors in order to achieve an increased level of pregnancy success. Oxidative stress (OS) represents a hazard to reproductive processes. The impact of OS on male fertility has been recognized since the pioneering work of Evenson et al in the early 1980’s. In addition to DNA strand breaks caused by OS, the level of chromatin condensation also affects pregnancy outcome. The round table participants will discuss the causes of these two negative parameters, how they can be measured and current thoughts on how the damage may be repaired for increased pregnancy success.

Troubleshooting the IVF Laboratory​​, G. Celia - FULL

This roundtable will focus on strategies to minimize errors and identify problem areas in the lab. In addition to the human component, we will engage in a discussion of factors which may be beyond the control of the technician and/or lab director, and how best to approach these issues. This should be an open discussion wherein participants share their knowledge, experiences and questions for the benefit of all in attendance.

Troubleshooting Vitrification: From Poor Survival to Low Pregnancy Rates, J. Stachecki - FULL

This presentation will cover several typical problems associated with modern vitrification procedures. Although the technique can be very successful, not everyone has great survival and pregnancy rates. Common problems include: embryo degeneration, zona cracking, poor culture and development post warming, high biochemical rates, and suboptimal pregnancy rates. Sometimes these issues stem from user error, but more often are from a lack of understanding of the principles of the technique. We will discuss how to avoid or solve these issues. We will cover all of the current vitrification systems, focus on common problems, and spend time discussing and answering specific questions from the attendees.

Understanding Repeatability of Human IVF Traits to Improve Next IVF Cycle Outcome, B. Wu - FULL

Evaluating the failed IVF cycle often provides useful prognostic information. Before undergoing another attempt, patients experiencing an unsuccessful IVF cycle frequently request information about the probability of future success. We will discuss the concept of reproducibility and formulae to predict the next IVF cycle outcome.