Vitrification

The vitrification method is the state-of-the-art technology in the embryo freezing process. Vitrification means "freezing by the process of changing something into a substance like glass" in English. In the vitrification technique, a sudden drop in temperature is performed by using freezing solutions in high concentrations. Thus, a glass-like solid surface is formed around the cell rapidly.

In the 'Classic Embryo Freezing Method', which is the first technique applied to human cells, ice crystals are formed around the cell during a slow and controlled freezing process and cell viability is tried to be preserved this way. However, during this slowly performed procedure, the viability of embryos may not be maintained due to potential trauma. 
 

In the vitrification method, the chance of conception is higher with more than 95% of embryos maintaining their viability while being frozen 600 to 1000 times faster compared to the classical method. 

This method enables to achieve much higher success rates compared to those obtained by the slow freezing technique previously used in assisted reproductive techniques.

Freezing takes 10 minutes in the vitrification method, while it takes up to 3 hours to freeze the embryo via the classical method. One of the factors leading to treatment success via the use of assisted reproduction techniques, is the health of the embryo.  Since the classical freezing method, which can last up to 3 hours, can unfavorably affect cell viability; the vitrification method, which protects the structural integrity of the cell, has a much higher success rate compared to the classical method.

The chance of establishing pregnancy via the transfer of such frozen embryos that are less exposed to the external environment will be much higher compared to other embryos frozen by the classical method.

The success of embryo thawing is critical as much as that of the vitrification method. In order for the embryos to be exposed to external factors in the least possible way, thawing of embryos should be performed by an experienced team. As one of the leading institutions performing embryo freezing via the vitrification method, Eurofertil Assisted Reproduction Treatment Center's high success rates have been built up by the constellation of several methods including its experience in embryo freezing via vitrification and in embryo thawing.

One of the most important factors that determine the success of assisted reproduction treatment centers is the competent staff of the embryology laboratory using the cutting-edge technology. The competence and experiences of staff carrying out freezing and thawing procedures are of great importance, especially in cases, where a limited number of eggs and embryos are used in interventions. The technical facilities and recent technology of the laboratory is reflected in high pregnancy rates and success as long as there is an experienced team, who uses the technology competently. Each egg and embryo is of great importance in the process of infertility treatment. The rates of loss should be close to zero.

Freezing of embryos is a frequently employed method in assisted reproduction treatment. Embryos that have not been transferred to the candidate mother are frozen and stored to preserve the chance of pregnancy.

The embryo obtained via the fertilization of the egg coming from the mother by the sperm coming from the father is preserved in liquid nitrogen tanks at -196 degrees Celsius.