SungTae Kim, PhD., Embryologist @ Carolina Conceptions
Embryo Transfer is one of the most important procedures in IVF treatment. Embryos are cultured for 5 to 6 days in vitro. The highest quality embryo will be selected and transferred into the uterus on transfer day. Successful implantation occurs by communication between the embryo and the endometrium lining of the uterus. Apposition and attachment of the embryo are very important steps just before implantation, and are dependent on hormones, growth factors, adhesion molecules, and cytokines; receptive endometrium releases molecules to initiate embryo implantation, and the embryo also releases molecules to prepare endometrial reception during apposition and attachment step.
According to recent studies, the synthesis of hyaluronan increases dramatically on the day of implantation in uterine fluids. EmbryoGlue® is a commercial product that has been developed to enhance implantation. It contains a high concentration of hyaluronan and provides high viscous environments in the uterus. Many studies have shown that an embryo transfer with high concentration of hyaluronan, significantly increases the clinical pregnancy rate compared to an embryo transfer with low or no hyaluronan.
Carolina conceptions did research to compare the effectiveness of EmbryoGlue® with general transfer medium. The pregnancy rate using EmbryoGlue® was 10% higher than that using general transfer medium. Biochemical pregnancy and pregnancy loss rates were also slightly lower in the group of women who used EmbryoGlue® for their transfer.
Due to the increased pregnancy rates of IVF patients who used EmbryoGlue®, Carolina Conceptions has been using EmbryoGlue® for all embryo transfers (both fresh and frozen cycles) since September 2015.
Learn more in this video showing an animation of embryo implantation using EmbryoGlue®: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boH4xTEhjZM
References
http://www.vitrolife.com/en/Products/G-SeriesTM-media/EmbryoGlue/