Motility Contrast Imaging for Oocyte Viability Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing oocyte and embryo viability in IVF programs are unreliable and subjective, often resulting in multiple pregnancies due to uncertainty in functional viability, as they rely on morphological criteria that do not account for biochemical alterations or changes post-fertilization, and lack imaging modalities to capture functional viability before implantation.
Innovation Solution
The use of motility contrast imaging (MCI) and biodynamic spectroscopy to evaluate intracellular activity, generating temporal and spatial contrast data to determine cell viability, and comparing it to predetermined thresholds for selecting viable oocytes and embryos for IVF, with a protocol for reversible immobilization to minimize sample stress and optimize imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If morphological criteria are used to assess oocyte and embryo viability, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but the reliability and accuracy of viability prediction are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static morphological parameters to dynamic motility parameters by implementing motility contrast imaging. This involves capturing temporal contrast data through time-lapse imaging and spatial contrast data through spatial frequency analysis, fundamentally changing the assessment parameters from appearance-based to motion-based metrics that better predict functional viability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective human visual assessment with automated computational image analysis. The system uses algorithms to process temporal and spatial contrast data, objectively quantifying motility patterns and generating viability predictions without human intervention, thereby eliminating subjectivity while maintaining operational simplicity
2Reliability
If multiple embryos are transferred to improve pregnancy rates, then the pregnancy success rate increases, but the rate of multiple pregnancies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides quantitative motility-based viability scores for each embryo, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions about how many embryos to transfer. By feedback-driven selection of the single most viable embryo based on objective motility metrics, the system aims to achieve high pregnancy rates with single embryo transfer, avoiding multiple pregnancies
3Measurement precision
If cumulus-oocyte complexes are imaged under conventional microscopes, then the imaging setup is simple, but the oocytes are obscured and viability grading is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from static intensity-based imaging to dynamic motility-based imaging. By capturing temporal variations in light scattering patterns as oocytes and cumulus cells move independently, the system can distinguish and track the oocyte within the complex COC structure, enabling viability assessment without requiring direct visual observation of the oocyte itself
4Reliability
If reversible immobilization is used to minimize sample stress, then the sample integrity is maintained, but the imaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic immobilization approach using adjustable micropositioning stages that can adapt to different sample types and imaging requirements. The system allows for reversible immobilization where samples can be secured during imaging and then released, maintaining sample integrity while enabling flexible imaging of multiple samples. The micropositioning capability adds complexity but provides precise control over sample position and immobilization force
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a more reliable and objective assessment of oocyte and embryo viability, improving IVF success rates by selecting healthier cells for implantation and reducing multiple pregnancy risks, as demonstrated by correlations between motility and spatial contrast data and the identification of viable oocytes and fertilized zygotes.
Implementation Method 1
imaging using motility contrast imaging; generating temporal contrast and spatial contrast data for the oocyte or embryo
Implementation Method 2
the intracellular activity is measured using biodynamic spectroscopy
Implementation Method 3
determining the temporal variation of the frequency content of speckle imaging of the cell
Implementation Method 4
reversibly immobilizing reproductive cells, detecting intracellular motion within the immobilized cells
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is provided for evaluating viability of oocytes and embryos comprising imaging an oocyte or embryo using motility contrast imaging; generating temporal contrast and spatial contrast data for the cells; generating a cell viability value as a function of the temporal and spatial contrast data; and comparing the cell viability value to a predetermined value indicative of a cell suitable for use in an in vitro fertilization program.