AUTOMATION OF EMBRYO VITRIFICATION: A DEVICE EVALUATION STUDY
Research type
Research Study
Full title
AUTOMATION OF EMBRYO VITRIFICATION: A DEVICE EVALUATION STUDY
IRAS ID
359360
Contact name
Giuseppe Silvestri
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Conceivable Life Sciences
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
This study evaluates a new robotic system called PRESERVE-CR that automates the freezing (vitrification) of embryos during IVF treatment. Currently, embryo freezing is performed entirely by hand by skilled embryologists, which can lead to variations in technique and outcomes between different practitioners and clinics.
The PRESERVE-CR system uses robotics and artificial intelligence to standardize the embryo freezing process, potentially making it more consistent and efficient while reducing the hands-on time required from laboratory staff.
This is a prospective clinical trial involving patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment at CARE Fertility Manchester. Participants will have some of their embryos frozen using the new robotic system and others frozen using standard manual techniques. A maximum of 2 embryos per patient will be allocated to the robotic system, ensuring patients always have embryos preserved using established methods.
The study aims to recruit 57 couples and will compare survival rates of embryos after freezing and thawing, as well as pregnancy outcomes. The primary goal is to demonstrate that the robotic system performs as well as manual methods.
If successful, this technology could help standardize embryo freezing across different clinics, potentially improve consistency of outcomes, reduce laboratory workload, and make fertility treatment more accessible by improving efficiency. The study has been designed with careful consideration of patient safety, with extensive preclinical testing showing excellent results in animal models.
Participants will receive £100 compensation for their time and any additional expenses related to study participation.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0451
Date of REC Opinion
25 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion