An in vivo culture system for human embryos using an encapsulation technology: a pilot study
- Blockeel, C
- Mock, P
- Verheyen, G
- Bouche, N
- Le Goff, P
- Heyman, Y
- Wrenzycki, C
- Höffmann, K
- Nienmann, H
- Haentjens, P
- de Los Santos, MJ
- Fernandez-Sanchez, M
- Velasco, M
- Aebischer, P
- Devroey, P
- Simon, C
DOIAbstract
ACKGROUND: Animal studies have demonstrated better embryo development in vivo than in vitro. This pilot study tested the feasibility of using a novel in utero culture system (IUCS) to obtain normal human fertilization and embryo development. METHODS: The IUCS device comprised a perforated silicone hollow tube. The study included 13 patients (<36 years) undergoing a first intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment and 167 metaphase II oocytes in three groups. In Group 1, 1-2 h after ICSI, sibling oocytes were assigned to IUCS or conventional in vitro culture. The device was retrieved on Day 1, and all zygotes were cultured in vitro till Day 5. In Group 2, fertilized oocytes were assigned on Day 1, embryos retrieved on Day 3 and all em...
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