HOME | ABOUT US | RESEARCH | CONSULTING | MEMBERSHIP | LINKS | CONTACT US

S³-Blastocyst Vitrification

Introducing a new method for storing human blastocysts:  S³ - Vitrification

This novel, successful method was developed by cryobiologist James Stachecki, Ph.D. in conjunction with Steen Willadsen, Ph.D., D.V.M. and Jacques Cohen, Ph.D. at Tyho-Galileo Research Laboratories.  We call it “S³-Vitrification”.  We believe that this new method is safer and simpler than existing vitrification methods.  We also believe that it will be highly successful.

Major features of the S³-Vitrification technology:

Ø      Secure: Blastocysts are frozen in heat-sealed 0.25cc conventional freezing straws. 

We do not use an open container like a cryo-loop, open-pulled straw, hemi-straw, or microscope grid, so there is less chance of viral or other contamination.  The use of open-containers may be prohibited. That’s why we looked into adapting the method to use conventional straws that many clinics are already familiar with.  The straws can be heat sealed at both ends providing a safe and secure environment.  Additionally, unlike many other vitrification methods available, our method does not use DMSO, one of the more potentially damaging cryoprotectants. 

Ø      Simple:  The technique is easy to learn and use. 

Since we use conventional freezing straws there are no tiny cryo-loops, micro-sized straws, or microscope grids to fuss with.  Additionally, the technique allows for plenty of time to load and seal the straw before cooling.  It is mandatory in many protocols to start cooling within 30 seconds of contact with the final vitrification solution or embryo survival rates rapidly decrease!  This is technically challenging and, more importantly, leaves no room for technician error.  We all make mistakes, so why not use a protocol that allows enough time to load (up to three times as long) and cool the sample without jeopardizing survival rates. 

Ø      Successful:  In laboratory studies we have obtained over 90% survival of human and bovine blastocysts (including 90-100% re-expansion rates, and 90-100% survival of individual blastomeres within each embryo).

You can use any stage blastocyst from cavitating to fully-expanded, or even hatched blastocysts.  No artificial shrinkage or collapsing of the blastocoel is required!  Data from collaborating clinics are promising.  IRMS, West Orange, NJ initially reported a survival rate over 90%, and a pregnancy rate over 60%.  Several clinics have now switched from slow-cooling using glycerol to S³-vitrification. 

As more and more clinics convert to blastocyst transfer to reduce multiple pregnancies, a safe, efficient, and reproducible method for storing blastocysts will be needed.  The S³-vitrification technology fills this need.  The major advantages of this technology over existing techniques are readily apparent, as outlined above.  Please contact us for more information about this new method of storing blastocysts or to become a licensed clinic and start providing this option to your patients today. 

For more information please email us at:  S3@galileoivf.com.  

HOME | ABOUT US | RESEARCH | CONSULTING | MEMBERSHIP | LINKS | CONTACT US