What is EmbryoGlue?
It is a solution only to be used in embryo transfer that increases embryo adhesion. Along with the basic components of the culture solutions we use in the embryo culture in IVF treatment, EmbryoGlue contains a high concentration of hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid), synthetic human albumin, and other nutrients. It was developed to assist embryo adhesion after transfer, to mimic the conditions in the uterus, and for use only in embryo transfer.
EmbryoGlue
Embryo transfer is one of the most sensitive and critical steps of IVF treatment. Before transfer, embryos are evaluated and the highest quality embryos for pregnancy are selected. The selected embryos are drawn into a long, thin plastic tube called a catheter, together with the solution in which they are cultured.
Afterwards, they are transferred into the uterus with this solution under ultrasound.
How does it work?
EmbryoGlue contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. HA is natural and is normally found in the follicular fluid in the ovaries, in the fallopian tubes, and in the uterus.
HA builds a connection between receptors in the embryo and those in the uterus wall. CD44, the primary receptor of HA, is found in both the pre-adhesion embryo and the pre-implantation endometrium (uterus wall). HA also produces a solution that prevents embryo ejection after embryo transfer. This way, embryoglue, similar to the viscous solution secreted before attachment in the uterus, facilitates diffusion.
EmbryoGlue's Proven Results
The solution we culture the embryos in contains 0.125 mg/ml of HA. However, EmbryoGlue, which was developed specifically for embryo transfer, contains 0.5 mg/ml of HA.
Many studies have been conducted to date that compare solutions with low concentrations of HA to those with low concentrations of HA. While some studies found that high HA transfer solutions improved pregnancy rates, other studies could not find a significant difference. The number of patients in these studies was not high enough to prove a statistically significant difference. However, when all the patients across all the studies were analyzed together, it was found that a transfer with a high concentration of HA resulted in increased pregnancy rates.
Who is Embryoglue used on?
Since hyaluronan is a natural molecule, Embryoglue can be used on all patients. In any of the studies on this subject, no side effects were detected.
It should be used with patients who have had multiple unsuccessful IVF attempts and low-quality embryo transfers.