Comparison of embryo implantation potential between time-lapse incubators and standard incubators: a randomized controlled study

Research question: What are the potential clinical benefits of embryo culture and assessment in a time-lapse incubator compared with a standard incubator using static assessment? Design: This large multicentre, single-blinded, randomized controlled study included 1224 participants randomly assigned (1:1) to the time-lapse or standard incubator group. In all patients one or two embryos were transferred on day 3. The primary outcome was the implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative implantation rate, live birth rate in the first embryo transfer cycle and cumulative live birth rate. Results: Among 1224 participants recruited, 1182 underwent embryo transfer. The number of successfully implanted embryos in the first transfer cycle was significantly higher in the time-lapse incubator group (time-lapse group: 52.35%, standard incubator group: 47.11%, P = 0.014). The implantation rate in the first embryo transfer cycle was still significantly higher in the time-lapse group than the standard incubator group after adjusting for age, body mass

Automated summary

The study found that using a time-lapse incubator for embryo culture and assessment led to a significantly higher number of successfully implanted embryos in the first transfer cycle and a higher implantation rate compared to using a standard incubator with static assessment. This suggests that time-lapse technology may have potential clinical benefits in assisted reproduction.