Revolutionary 3D Imaging Model Improves Blastocyst Selection for In Vitro Fertilization

Pioneering research presented today at ESHRE 40^t The annual meeting in Amsterdam introduced a fresh 3D imaging model designed to identify characteristics of blastocysts—the early stage of development of the implanted embryo—associated with successful pregnancies. This fresh approach could transform current blastocyst selection methods and pave the way for improved pregnancy rates.

Blastocyst shape and structure can predict pregnancy success, helping to select a blastocyst for in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, selecting the right embryo or blastocyst remains a major challenge in IVF.

Traditionally, blastocyst quality is assessed using 2D methods, which lack depth and comprehensive metrics. Although some 3D methods exist, they are not practical or safe and sound for clinical utilize. This study fills this gap by introducing a clinically applicable 3D assessment method and reveals previously unrecognized spatial features of blastocysts that indicate outcomes.

Dr. Bo Huang, lead author of the study

The study included women under 40 years of age with a uterine lining (endometrial thickness) of 7-16 mm and no more than one previous embryo transfer failure. Using the EmbryoScope+, researchers took detailed images of 2,141 frozen and thawed individual blastocysts.

Advanced technology was used to create 3D models of these blastocysts, recording detailed information about their outer layer (trophectoderm) and inner cell mass. These models were further analyzed to find fresh characteristics of blastocysts and determine how these characteristics relate to successful pregnancies.

The study tested the model against fluorescence imaging of human blastocysts and achieved greater than 90% accuracy. Key measurements identified include blastocyst size, shape, and cell characteristics.

Size-related parameters such as total volume, cavity volume, and surface area were found to be associated with higher pregnancy rates, and specific characteristics of the inner cell mass and outer layer were found to be strongly associated with better pregnancy outcomes.

Dr. Huang comments: “These results are consistent with what we see in clinical outcomes, but we couldn’t measure it before. This study shows that the 3D shape of the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, its position and the way the surrounding cells are arranged can be critical indicators of success, something we didn’t know before.”

In the long term, the research team plans to collaborate with multiple centers to further validate these findings and invites reproductive centers worldwide to join this effort. The ultimate goal is to make 3D blastocyst assessment a standard part of clinical practice, bringing fresh hope to people undergoing IVF.

Professor Dr Anis Feki, ESHRE Chair-elect, says: “Although the fresh 3D imaging model for blastocyst assessment shows great promise for improving embryo selection for IVF, it is critical to confirm these findings through further research and collaboration. This method has the potential to improve IVF outcomes, but its clinical application should be approached with caution.”

The study summary will be published today in Human reproductionone of the world’s leading journals devoted to reproductive medicine.