On December 22, 2005 the first case of a healthy child born after IVF with vitrified embryo implantation was registered in Russia. The fertilization program was carried out by MAMA Clinic specialists. The course of treatment and its scientific results were described in the subsequent publication at “Reproductive Problems” Magazine (2003, issue # 2).
Vitrification (literally «transformation into glass») in the context of reproductive techniques is the process whereby the solution containing the oocyte or embryo is cooled rapidly enough to prevent the water molecules from forming ice vrystals and therefore it instanteniously solifieds into a structure similar to glass. Rigorous studies have shown that a significantly greater percentage of embryo cells survive thawing following vitrification compared to slow freezing. Vitrification is currently the most advanced and progressive technique among cryopreservation methods.
At MAMA Clinic, we have developed an alternative method based on vitrification principle called Multi-Protector Embryo Vitrification (MPV-System). The method is a modification on that introduced by doctor Magosaburo Kasai and his research group of The University of Yokohama adopted by MAMA Clinic specialists in 2002 and widely acknowledged by reproductive therapists worldwide. The essence of the modification introduced by MAMA Clinic consisted of the increase of the multi-protector solution volume and the multistage embryo exposure to cryoprotectants. These modifications have helped us gain additional multi-protector effect as well as moderate cryopreservation destructive impact on embryo cell structures.
MAMA Clinic was the first reproductive medical institution in Russia to include the ultra-rapid freezing method of M. Kasai into practice. Since it was first included into MAMA Clinic IVF programs in 2002, 507 babies were born as the result of such programs carried out.
MAMA Clinic specialists have presented the results of Dr. M. Kasai method application at the following professional meetings and congresses:
Julia Zaikova
Anesthesiologist