IVFMD: A pillar in the IVF community
For over 33 years, IVFMD, formerly the South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, has played a pivotal role in the fertility community in South Florida, combining cutting-edge medical advancements with compassionate, personalised care. Established by its founder, the practice has earned a reputation as a leading provider of IVF and has helped countless individuals and couples fulfil their dreams of parenthood.
With 35 years of experience in the IVF industry, Ineabelle Collazo serves as the Embryology Laboratory Director at IVFMD.
As a long-time customer and collaborator of the Vitrolife Group, she shares insights about their partnership with the Vitrolife Group and her perspective on the challenges facing the industry, the future of IVF and upcoming innovations in the field.
Challenges and developments shaping the IVF industry
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the IVF industry today?
The IVF industry grapples with the availability of qualified personnel, the high cost of treatment and disparities in access. Additionally, evolving ethical and regulatory concerns present significant challenges. For example, the use of genetic information to select for certain desired characteristics raises questions about ethical implications of the advancements in genetic research. There are also concerns surrounding the storage and disposal of unused embryos, as well as the regulation of fertility clinics. Striking a balance between technological innovation and ethical considerations will remain an ongoing challenge.
Despite increasing awareness, some individuals still experience a sense of stigma or shame regarding fertility treatments. Cultural perceptions of IVF can influence a person’s willingness to seek help or openly discuss their fertility struggles. This stigma may also affect access to care, as some people might delay or avoid treatment due to fear of judgment.
What are some of the most exciting developments or trends you think will shape the industry?
One of the most promising developments is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. These innovations have the potential to transform the way IVF and other fertility treatments are delivered, significantly enhancing both outcomes and patient experiences.
How do you see technology evolving in the IVF industry in the coming years specifically from a US perspective?
We are likely to see increased utilisation of time-lapse imaging and AI for embryo selection. Automated equipment will take on more repetitive and precise tasks, such as embryo culture, handling gametes and freezing of embryos. By reducing the risk of contamination, improving consistency in laboratory conditions and enabling faster processing times, automation will enhance the overall efficiency of IVF cycles. This could also lead to reduced costs, making IVF more accessible to a broader population. Additionally, there will be growing adoption of electronic witnessing systems, which are expected to become standard practice in the US.
“One of the most promising developments is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. These innovations have the potential to transform the way IVF and other fertility treatments are delivered”
How can companies like the Vitrolife Group support clinics in addressing these challenges?
The Vitrolife Group has always been a trusted and reliable company, consistently at the forefront of research, media development, technology and pre-genetic testing. As technology takes on an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of the IVF industry in the United States, The Vitrolife Group can support clinics by driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, genetic screening and data analytics. These innovations will enable clinics to deliver treatments that are more personalised, efficient and accessible for all.
“The Vitrolife Group has always been a trusted and reliable company, consistently at the forefront”
A successful collaboration
What initially inspired IVFMD to choose the Vitrolife Group as a partner, and what has kept the partnership strong over the years?
The Vitrolife Group has been a trusted partner for many years. Their commitment to research, innovation and exceptional customer support aligns perfectly with our mission. As technology continues to transform the IVF industry, the Vitrolife Group’s advancements in AI, automation, genetic screening and data analytics will enable clinics like ours to provide more personalised and efficient treatments.
Can you share some examples of successful collaborations between your clinic and the Vitrolife Group that you believe have made a significant difference?
Our partnership with the Vitrolife Group has led to transformative outcomes. IVFMD was one of the first clinics in the US to culture embryos to the blastocyst stage using Vitrolife media. Innovations such as the EmbryoScope+ and uninterrupted culture systems have greatly enhanced our lab efficiency and patient outcomes. The use of PGT-A has also significantly improved success rates for patients over 35.
Looking ahead
Could you please elaborate on what the strategic priorities are for IVFMD for the coming years and how our collaboration can support your clinic in achieving its key goals?
IVFMD’s strategic priorities for the coming years will focus on enhancing patient care through personalised treatment, leveraging technological advancements like AI and genetic testing, improving access and affordability and expanding research and innovation. By staying at the forefront of these trends, we aim to not only improve clinical outcomes but also drive the practice’s growth and solidify its position as a leader in the fertility space. With the continued support of partners like Vitrolife Group, we strive to remain at the forefront of reproductive medicine, using technology to enhance outcomes and help aspiring parents fulfil their dreams.
“Our partnership with the Vitrolife Group has led to transformative outcomes.”
The future of embryo evaluation. An interview with Dr. Peter Illingworth on AI in IVF
Dr. Peter Illingworth is the Medical Director at IVF Australia/Virtus Health.
He is also the lead author behind the world’s first randomised control trial (RCT) of a deep-learning AI tool for embryo evaluation in IVF (the VISA study). Published in the prestigious Nature Medicine in August 2024, the study compared traditional methods of embryo evaluation with iDAScore®, an advanced AI-based tool developed by the Vitrolife Group’s artificial intelligence team. The study demonstrates that iDAScore®, which does not require human input, is 10x faster than standard manual assessment and provides similar clinical outcomes.
In the ever-evolving field of IVF, new technologies are transforming how clinicians approach embryo selection and evaluation. In this interview, Dr. Peter Illingworth discuss the groundbreaking VISA study and shares insights into the study’s findings, the challenges and opportunities of using AI in clinical practice, and how these advancements could shape the future of IVF clinics worldwide.
Can you give us a brief description of the traditional method to evaluate and select embryos compared to the latest available technologies?
Currently, embryos are evaluated based on their morphological appearance by skilled embryologists, most commonly using an internationally recognised grading system called the Gardner grading system.
Can you explain to us what the VISA study is and why the study was launched?
The VISA study was a randomised controlled trial (RCT) which set out to compare the traditional method of embryo evaluation with the deep learning algorithm iDAScore®. The aim of the study was to assess the deep learning technology in the context of a randomised control trial.
What were the main endpoints of the VISA study?
The primary endpoint of the VISA study was the fetal heart pregnancy rate per embryo transfer for the first embryo that was transferred following evaluation of the embryo. Other endpoints that were studied included the live birth rate as well as the time that it took to evaluate the embryo
One could argue that an RCT is the “holy grail” when it comes to designing a study, but does it pose any challenges?
We learned a lot from this trial about the role of a randomised control trial in testing new technology. RCTs are the gold standard for evaluating new interventions in the context of clinical practice. However, we also encountered a number of limitations of the randomised control trial format. The principal issue was the sample size that would have been required to demonstrate non-inferiority of the chosen end point. This was a consequence of the baseline pregnancy rates in the control group being significantly higher than expected. In fact, both groups had an almost 10% higher pregnancy rate than the reported national averages in the duration of the study. Another consideration is that the time that it took to complete the trial meant that, by the time the trial was completed, the technology had significantly advanced and repeating such a trial would be impractical.
Do you feel that RCT is the best way to approach validation of fast moving technologies?
All of this raises the issue that we may need to seek tools other than randomised control trials to validate fast-moving technology such as artificial intelligence systems. Potential alternatives include the evaluation of large databases using sophisticated statistical tools.
According to this study and other similar evaluations, would you say that using AI to select embryos for transfer is at least as good as manual selection by humans?
The principal finding of the study was that we were unable to demonstrate statistical noninferiority of the artificial intelligence tool. This was mainly due to an underpowering of the study implying that too few patients were recruited. However, the pregnancy rates in the two groups were clinically identical. Given the time-saving potential of an artificial intelligence tool as well as the high consistency, the artificial intelligence tool is still of enormous value.
“the embryologists in most IVF laboratories will benefit from the greater use of tools such as this to allow embryologists to structure their workload and standardise their decision making”
Apart from the accuracy of embryo selection with AI, what other advantages does the use of such an algorithm hold?
In the future, there will be an increasing demand for IVF treatments and hence a necessary recruitment of new embryologists. These junior embryologists will for sure be empowered by the adjunctive use of AI algorithms to support their decision-making process.
“The aim of the study was to assess the deep learning technology in the context of a randomised control trial”
With such time saving, do you think that more clinics world wide would implement this technology?
I’m sure that most clinics in the future will utilize AI for support in numerous processes throughout the IVF clinic. This is both for a faster workflow but also for reducing subjectivity and increasing objectivity and consistency both within a single clinic but also across a larger clinic network.
Do you think that time savings with embryo evaluation will result in an uplift of KPIs in other laboratory processes where the saved time can be better utilised in other laboratory processes?
I think the future is that IVF clinics worldwide will all have to consider where deep learning tools such as iDAScore® fit into their laboratory processes. iDAScore® is clearly a lot faster than an embryologist in evaluating embryos. In addition, the reproducibility and clinical efficacy make it a critical part of the coming world of laboratory automation.
In your opinion, how does this algorithm help clinics to be more efficient and effective in their daily workflow?
IVF clinics will always need embryologists. However, the embryologists in most IVF laboratories will benefit from the greater use of tools such as this to allow embryologists to structure their workload and standardise their decision making.
Dr. Peter Illingworth is the Medical Director at IVF Australia/Virtus Health.
Peter Illingworth did his medical training in the UK, receiving his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and achieving his Doctorate of Medicine with honours at Dundee, Scotland. Having completed his obstetric and gynaecology training, he worked as a medical research scientist at the UK Medical Research Council Reproductive Science Unit in Edinburgh.
Moving to Australia in early 1996, he subspecialised in reproductive endocrinology and worked for ten years at Westmead Hospital in Western Sydney before moving to work with Virtus Health where he has worked since in Medical Director roles. He is a past President of the Fertility Society of Australia.
Peter has published over 70 research papers and book chapters, mainly in the area of reproductive endocrinology. His special interests are in reproductive endocrinology and female fertility disorders and he has served on a number of senior committees of the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
Mikaela and Lena hoped for a miracle – they got two
It was a rollercoaster ride that took them from hope to excitement to disappointment and ultimately, pure joy. Meet Mikaela and Lena and discover how their IVF journey led to the miracle of parenthood.
Like many other Nordic couples in their situation, Mikaela and Lena’s story started in Copenhagen, Denmark.
After undergoing several failed inseminations attempts in Denmark, the only option left was IVF treatment at a Swedish clinic. Before starting their journey, the couple agreed that Lena should carry future children, preferably using the same donor. To their immense happiness, the first attempt was successful and only a few months later they watched their daughter Ellen’s heartbeat tick on the ultrasound monitor screen.
After Ellen was born, a year passed before Mikaela and Lena decided that their family would feel complete if they had a sibling. After the experience they had with Ellen, the decision to start a new IVF journey seemed easy. Lena continues the story –
“Maybe the fact that the process worked so well the first time made us a bit naïve. Neither of us could have imagined that four years and nine rounds of IVF would be needed this time.”
For the additional sibling trial, Ellen’s donor (inactive) was used, however Lena’s age became an issue. After two IVF attempts, the doctor announced that it was unethical to continue, as Lena’s oocytes were so poor. But at this point, fate intervened on their side, as a recently introduced a law in Sweden made it possible for Mikaela to donate her eggs to Lena.
This meant they had to give up their dream of having the same donor and switch oocytes. While all these events put pressure on the couple, after some psychosocial counselling they agreed to try again. Mikaela was now on the other side of the IVF process. This was a positive experience for both, with one providing the oocytes and the other carrying the embryo. However, the wait was long, and after several failed attempts they felt that the time had come to make a tough decision. Mikaela continues –
“We were at the point of giving up and agreed that this would be our last round of treatment as a couple. By this point, our family had lived in the cycle of IVF treatment for too long.”
However, their patience was rewarded when this final attempt exceeded their expectations. After the treatment they had two embryos in the freezer, their most promising result in several years – and a few months later, they received the news they had waited so long to hear. Lena was pregnant with their second daughter Sally.
Today, Mikaela, Lena, Ellen and Sally celebrate life and embrace the joy of being a loving family of four.