In a pioneering development for reproductive medicine, researchers at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) have introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) system that significantly improves the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This breakthrough technology enhances the accuracy of embryo selection, offering renewed hope to couples battling infertility.
The project, led by Professor Lee Jung-ryeol from SNUBH’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was created in collaboration with Kai Health. It has already been recognized as one of the top 10 innovations for 2025 under the “Pan-Ministerial Full-Cycle Medical Device Research and Development Project,” a government-led initiative.
The AI system addresses one of IVF’s most challenging aspects: selecting the embryos with the highest potential for a successful pregnancy. Traditional methods of embryo selection rely on clinical embryologists using microscopes, achieving an accuracy rate of about 37%. In contrast, the new AI-powered technology boosts this rate to an impressive 65%.
“As infertility and delayed pregnancies become growing societal issues, we have advanced AI-powered embryo selection technology to a level that is now ready for commercialization,” said Professor Lee. “We believe this technology will alleviate the physical, psychological, and financial burdens faced by many couples undergoing IVF.”
How the Technology Works
Unlike previous solutions that were limited to certain cultivation systems, this AI technology can work with images captured from standard microscopes, making it adaptable across various clinical settings. This flexibility broadens its potential use, making it a highly versatile tool in fertility treatments.
While the specific analysis methods employed by the AI are not fully transparent, Professor Lee explained that the system mimics the judgment processes of human technicians but also analyzes additional factors that are beyond human detection. This contributes to the improved accuracy and faster results of the system, reducing the time required for embryo assessment when compared to traditional methods.
However, Professor Lee pointed out that while the technology has dramatically improved the speed and efficiency of embryo evaluation, there is still a need for automation in capturing the embryo images for quicker and more convenient application.
Beyond Just Selection: A Comprehensive Impact
The advantages of AI extend beyond enhancing embryo selection accuracy. Professor Lee emphasized that AI’s ability to deliver consistent results and save time is vital, especially in creating a more level playing field in fertility treatment.
“For beginners, using AI assistance can result in outcomes on par with or better than highly experienced professionals,” Professor Lee noted. “Even experienced professionals can rely on AI to reduce errors and provide more precise decisions.”
Despite the impressive improvements, Professor Lee cautioned that AI technology has limitations. “Pregnancy in IVF isn’t determined solely by embryo quality, so achieving a 100% pregnancy prediction with embryo selection alone is not feasible,” he said. “Additional clinical factors must be integrated to further improve prediction rates.”
Acknowledging the variability in hospital environments and embryo cultivation conditions, the research team recommends calibrating the AI system for each hospital before use. As the technology becomes more widespread, Professor Lee speculated that standardized embryo cultivation conditions might align with the AI selection system to enhance accuracy.
Assisting High-Risk Groups
AI technology holds particular promise for high-risk groups, such as women with reduced ovarian function or those who have experienced repeated implantation failures. While AI cannot directly improve ovarian function or embryo quality, it can prioritize embryos with higher pregnancy potential, ultimately shortening the time to pregnancy.
“For women with reduced ovarian function, understanding the pregnancy potential of each embryo is crucial since fewer embryos are produced,” said Professor Lee. “Similarly, for those who have faced multiple implantation failures, selecting higher-quality embryos can prevent additional unsuccessful attempts.”
With successful clinical trials and approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the technology has also received certification in Europe and Singapore. These regulatory milestones pave the way for the technology’s widespread clinical use.
This innovative AI system holds the promise of revolutionizing IVF, offering improved outcomes and reduced emotional and financial strain for couples struggling with infertility.
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