Groundbreaking technology developed by Tel Aviv University researchers has significantly boosted the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF), demonstrating an increase in successful fertilizations, pregnancies, and healthy births. The innovative technology has been implemented at Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, and clinical trials show IVF success rates have nearly doubled, rising from 34% to 65%. In a notable case, a couple who had endured 15 unsuccessful IVF cycles over several years conceived for the first time using this new method.
The key to the technology’s success lies in its ability to better select high-quality sperm cells for fertilization, addressing one of IVF’s biggest challenges. By using advanced 3D imaging, the technology allows embryologists to analyze sperm cells’ internal structure without relying on chemical dyes, which can potentially damage embryos. This advancement enables the selection of sperm cells that meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) morphological criteria, significantly improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Developed in the lab of Professor Natan T. Shaked, Chair of Tel Aviv University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, this technology is implemented by QART Medical, a startup supported by the university’s investment fund, Ramot, and external investors. The method has already been published in leading scientific journals, and it is being used in multiple clinical settings, including Meir Medical Center, Assuta Medical Center, and international institutions like UCSF Medical Center in California and the University of Tokyo Hospital.
Addressing Fertility Challenges
The new technology is particularly relevant as fertility challenges, including declining sperm counts, continue to rise. Dr. Bozhena Saar-Ryss, Director of IVF and the Sperm Bank at Barzilai Medical Center, explained that male infertility is responsible for half of fertility cases, with sperm counts in young men declining by approximately 50% over the past few decades. Many IVF treatments fail because the sperm selected for fertilization lacks the necessary structural quality to produce healthy embryos.
The Future of IVF: Sperm Selection Enhanced by 3D Imaging
Professor Shaked elaborated on the technology’s mechanism: it uses the refractive index of cells to create high-resolution, 3D images of sperm cells, enabling precise measurements of mass and volume. This process allows embryologists to assess internal sperm characteristics without chemical staining, providing them with the tools to select the healthiest sperm for fertilization.
Currently, Professor Shaked’s team is working on an enhancement to detect DNA fragmentation in sperm cells, adding another layer of precision to sperm selection. This new technology aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation, considering motility, internal structure, and DNA integrity—key factors in successful IVF outcomes.
Dr. Ronen Kreizman, CEO of Ramot, praised the team’s achievements, noting that innovations like these have the potential to greatly impact the IVF field and contribute both to the economy and global healthcare.
With this technology, the future of IVF could see even more successful pregnancies, offering hope to the millions of couples struggling with infertility worldwide.
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