Abstract
Purpose
To compare two vitrification methods and two warming methods for human oocyte vitrification using a high security closed device in terms of survival, fertilization and embryo development.
Methods
For vitrification, oocytes were (1) immediately placed in equilibration solution or (2) they were gradually exposed to the cryoprotectants. For warming, oocytes were placed (1) in a 25 μl preheated (37 °C) thawing solution droplet that was put at room temperature for 1 min once the oocytes were inside or (2) in a 150 μl droplet for 1 minute at 37 °C.
Results
Survival and preimplantation development were significantly lower when warming was performed in a small preheated droplet. There was no significant difference in survival and embryo development between the gradual or direct exposure to cryoprotectants.
Conclusions
Using this high security closed vitrification device a 90 % survival rate can be achieved when the oocytes are immediately warmed in a large volume at 37 °C.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank the co-workers at the laboratory of the Centre for Reproductive Medicine for their dedicated work.
Grants, funding
Our research is supported by grants from the Scientific Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) and the Research Council (OZR) of the VUB.
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Using a high security closed vitrification device a 90 % survival rate can be achieved when the oocytes are warmed in a large volume at 37 °C.
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De Munck, N., Verheyen, G., Van Landuyt, L. et al. Survival and post-warming in vitro competence of human oocytes after high security closed system vitrification. J Assist Reprod Genet 30, 361–369 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-9930-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-9930-3