IVF Advances Show Promise, But Time-Lapse Imaging Fails To Deliver

In a quiet, sterile laboratory, an embryologist carefully handles a dish with four fertilized human eggs. Each one is the product of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle and holds the potential to become a healthy baby. For many couples, these moments in the IVF process are the culmination of weeks or even months of emotional and physical struggle, all leading to a delicate waiting game.

To ease the uncertainty, some couples opt for extra reassurance in the form of a high-tech tool—a time-lapse imaging device. For an additional cost, the embryologist places the dish in the machine, which takes a picture of the developing embryos every ten minutes. It’s marketed as a way to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. But new research shows that the tool does not improve outcomes.

A study published in The Lancet in July 2024 tracked over 1,500 IVF cycles, comparing those with time-lapse imaging to those without. The results revealed no significant difference in live birth rates, debunking the promise of the technology. Priya Bhide, a senior lecturer at Queen Mary University of London and a co-author of the study, stated, “There was no significant difference in the live birth rate.”

Since the birth of Louise Brown, the first IVF baby in 1978, more than 10 million children have been born worldwide through assisted reproductive technologies. IVF is now responsible for about 2% of all births in the United States. Over the years, success rates have steadily improved, especially for women under 38. In the US, live birth rates from IVF procedures have increased by 1.6 times since 2010.

Yet, IVF remains unpredictable. Women aged 35 and older still face relatively low live birth rates per embryo transfer cycle. In the UK, it’s just 30%, while in the US, the figure is slightly higher at 39%. For women of all ages, only 45% of embryo transfers result in a live birth, though this is an improvement over the 36% rate in 2011.

Despite advances in technology, IVF remains a challenging journey. High costs, multiple cycles, and the emotional toll can leave couples exhausted and discouraged. Time-lapse imaging, despite its popularity, does not offer the breakthrough many had hoped for. Bhide, who had previously contributed to a Cochrane Review on the subject, says the evidence for its effectiveness was already weak. “People got very excited with this new technology and just started using it without actually having good evidence,” she explains.

Researchers continue to explore new ways to improve IVF success rates, focusing on areas such as egg retrieval and embryo development. One promising innovation involves a needle designed by mathematicians at the University of Oxford. The needle uses a fluid motion to help retrieve eggs from follicles with greater success, even in delicate procedures. Early trials with cows show promising results, and researchers hope to test the technique with human eggs in the future.

Meanwhile, in Spain, scientists are developing a technique to manipulate eggs and embryos without physical contact. By attaching magnetic nanoparticles to the surface of eggs, researchers have been able to use magnets to move and isolate mature eggs. The hope is that this approach could minimize damage during IVF procedures, though its impact on live birth rates is still under study.

In Australia, researchers are also investigating a new method for analyzing embryos by measuring the quantity of lipids inside them. This technique could provide early indications of an embryo’s metabolic health, which may be predictive of its potential for a successful pregnancy. While still in the early stages, this research offers hope for a more reliable method of determining embryo viability.

Despite these promising innovations, IVF remains an unpredictable and emotionally taxing journey for many couples. While time-lapse imaging may not live up to expectations, scientists are continuing to push the boundaries of reproductive technology, offering hope that the future holds better odds for those seeking to grow their families.