Dr (Col.) Prof. Pankaj Talwar, Director, Medical Services, Birla Fertility & IVF explains the role of technologies like AI in IVF industry
Being a parent is a dream for most couples, but it can also be a challenging experience for some. The advent of medical technology such as IVF and other fertility treatments have provided hope for millions of couples by enabling them to start a family despite these challenges. With numerous advancements in recent years, fertility treatment has improved in terms of success rate and treatment experience. It is also slowly becoming more accessible and affordable across segments of society.
According to Allied Market Research, the market for IVF treatments in India was worth $478.2 million in 2018 and is expected to reach $1,453.0 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 14.7 per cent. This demonstrates that the Indian IVF market is flourishing and has a bright future ahead. Experts are looking to incorporate new technology into IVF and other fertility treatments to improve upon success rates. The field of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has undergone significant changes and innovations in recent years, resulting in improved outcomes and new treatment options.
The next generation of IVF treatment
Since it was first established in the 1970s, IVF has come a long way, and it continues to evolve and improve due to ongoing advances, technology, and trends. The following cutting-edge developments are anticipated to enhance health outcomes and success rates.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in IVF in embryo grading: AI has the potential to enhance clinical efficacy and efficiency, hence enhancing the course of ART treatment. Currently, embryologists manually review images to look for a certain set of visually distinct traits and select the best suited embryo out of many of a couple for implantation. While an embryologist is dependent on their experience and manual / visual skills, the AI predictor’s database contains millions of data points for various embryos and hence can help the embryologist to select the bet embryo for implantation more accurately vs. a naked eye. The AI models can now evaluate minute characteristics that are frequently challenging for even the most experienced embryologists to see. From fertilisation to the blastocyst stage, AI provides forecasts by integrating with Time-Lapse Imaging (TLI) technologies. Embryos at various stages of development are automatically recognised, segmented, and studied at the pixel level as they are photographed by the TLI system.
Use of AI in Oocyte and Sperm Grading: Using static images or time lapse images for direct inspection of oocytes and sperms often gives varied results based on imaging equipment used and subjectivity of embryologist’s decision. AI can help grade the oocytes based on markers of oocyte quality like follicle size, oocyte morphology and cytoplasmic characteristics. Likewise, sperm grading can be conducted to grade basis sperm morphology, sperm count. AI also has the potential to determine the optimal oocyte-sperm combination having the highest potential for success. Hence, AI can act as validation tool for embryologists to validate their decisions and improve outcomes for patients
Stem cell treatment: In the field of IVF, stem cells are also gaining popularity as researchers look into how they might increase fertility and pregnancy rates. Stem cells also known as undifferentiated cells have the ability to develop into any type of cell in the body. They have the potential to repair damaged tissue and regenerate new cells, making them a promising option for treating a wide range of conditions. Some studies have suggested that stem cells may be able to repair damaged tissue in the ovaries and enhance egg quality, leading to better outcomes for fertility treatment.
Cryopreservation: Many women and men nowadays, prioritise advancing their education or achieving professional ambitions and delay family planning. While there is no way to stop time from passing, assisted reproductive technology lets one maintain their options while providing the avenue for personal and professional growth. One of the most common techniques for many women to preserve their fertility is oocyte cryopreservation, where eggs harvested from one’s ovaries are frozen unfertilised and stored for later use. Although one has their healthiest eggs in their 20s and 30s, cryopreservation allows women to choose when they want to start their journey of parenthood without worrying about age.
Laser assisted hatching: This is a technique that involves making a small hole in the outer layer of the embryo to help it hatch and implant in the uterus. This technique has been shown to improve the success rate of IVF in many patient groups, such as those with thick zona, or poor embryo quality or advanced maternal age.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a technique used to identify chromosomal genetic abnormalities in IVF embryos before pregnancy. This helps avoid aneuploid conceptions especially in case of advanced maternal age or where couples have known genetic abnormality history.