US fertility clinic introduces ‘AI-powered’ embryo selection tool

The US fertility practice Reach has introduced an ‘AI-powered’ embryo selection tool as part of its service for all IVF patients.

Reach, a fertility treatment and research practice based in North Carolina, announced last year a partnership with the UK-based fertility clinic Care Fertility.

As part of the collaboration, the company has joined a research-focused fertility network with access to advanced reproductive science technology.

Caremaps-AI, the time-lapse imaging technique developed by Care Fertility, aims to assist embryologists in choosing the embryo with the most potential without the need for genetic testing.

To capture images of the embryos, Reach will use the Embryoscope time lapse incubator, made by Vitrolife. The device has an integrated camera system that takes images in up to 11 focal planes, every 10 minutes, from the moment of fertilisation to the time the embryo is ready for transfer or ready to be cryogenically stored.

These images combined with AI analysis, are hoped to remove human subjectivity from embryo assessment and allow embryologists to select the embryo with the highest chance of becoming a healthy baby.

“This technology has direct impacts on patient treatment,” said Jennifer Patrick, lab director for Reach Fertility.

“By increasing the reliability of the embryo selection process and the accuracy of predictions, we can ensure patients are given their best chance of having a child.”

Patrick Mc Phillips, executive director at Reach Fertility, said: “Our partnership with Care Fertility has afforded us these kinds of breakthrough opportunities and we are thrilled to be able to offer them to our patients.

“Reach is proud to expand its services, ensuring those who want to grow or start their families have access to resources that increase their likelihood of doing so.

He added: “Our patients will continue to receive exceptional medical care and now with Caremaps-AI they will gain access to a higher level of reproductive technology, giving them an even higher chance at success.”