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Chapter 39 - Routine Embryo Transfer in the IVF Laboratory

from Section 8 - Embryo Transfer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 August 2023

By
Sangita K. Jindal
Edited by
Markus H. M. Montag  and
Dean E. Morbeck
Markus H. M. Montag
Affiliation:
ilabcomm GmbH, St Augustin, Germany
Dean E. Morbeck
Affiliation:
Kindbody Inc, New York City
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Summary

The final critical step in the IVF process is the embryo transfer. Trans-vaginal embryo transfer, often combined with abdominal ultrasound guidance, returns embryos to the woman’s uterus with the goal of implanting into the uterine wall and creating a pregnancy leading to live birth. Successful embryo transfer depends on the protocols of the clinic, development of the embryos in culture, and optimized preparation of the uterine lining. Embryos can be fresh or frozen–thawed, with or without biopsy for genetic testing, at time of transfer. Good embryo transfer technique is required from both the clinician and the embryologist. In all cases, a fine sterile flexible plastic catheter designed for embryo transfer is loaded with the embryos by the embryologist and handed off to the clinician for insertion into the patient’s uterus. Methods of catheter loading and hand-off to the clinician will be discussed, as well as troubleshooting notes.

Keywords

catheterembryologistembryowitnesspregnancy
Type
Chapter
Information
Principles of IVF Laboratory Practice
Laboratory Set-Up, Training and Daily Operation
 , pp. 287 - 292
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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