Selection of high-potential embryos by culture in poly(dimethylsiloxane) microwells and time-lapse imaging

ObjectiveTo assess the developmental kinetics of human embryos and their ability to develop to morphologically normal blastocysts.DesignExperimental study on human embryos donated for research using a time-lapse imaging system based on individual embryo culture in poly(dimethylsiloxane) microwells and monitored using a microscope inside the incubator.SettingPrivate fertility clinic.Patient(s)Surplus embryos donated by couples after undergoing fertility treatment.Intervention(s)None.Main Outcome Measure(s)Blastocyst score and times required from beginning to completion of the second and third mitotic divisions.Result(s)The time required for completion of the second division (the three- to four-cell stage) was shorter in embryos that developed to high-scoring blastocysts (0.7 hours, n = 17) than in those forming low-scoring blastocysts (3.7 hours, n = 24). Similarly, the mean time required to completion of the third division (five- to eight-cell stage) was also significantly shorter in embryos forming high-scoring blastocysts (5.7 hours) than among those forming low-scoring blastocysts (16.9 hours).Conclusion(s)Individual embryos with the potential to develop to high-scoring blastocysts could be selected at 2–3 days of culture using this system by examining the times required to complete the second and third mitotic divisions.