Time-Lapse Imaging in IVF: Bridging the Gap Between Promises and Clinical Realities

Time-lapse imaging (TLI) has emerged as a transformative technology in in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is because it offers continuous, non-invasive embryo assessment through morphokinetic profiling. It demonstrates key advantages such as reduced embryologist subjectivity, detection of dynamic an...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 26; no. 19; p. 9609
Main Authors: Mrugacz, Grzegorz, Bołkun, Igor, Magoń, Tomasz, Korowaj, Izabela, Golka, Beata, Pluta, Tomasz, Fedak, Olena, Cieśla, Paulina, Zowczak, Joanna, Skórka, Ewelina
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.10.2025
Subjects:
Algorithms
Artificial intelligence
Comparative analysis
Embryo Implantation
Embryology
Embryonic development
Embryos
Female
Fertilization in vitro
Fertilization in Vitro - methods
Genetic screening
Humans
In vitro fertilization
Microscopy
Morphology
Pregnancy
Preimplantation Diagnosis - methods
Proprietary
Subjectivity
Time-Lapse Imaging - methods
morphokinetics
IVF
time-lapse imaging
algorithm validation
assisted reproduction
ISSN:1422-0067, 1661-6596, 1422-0067
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Time-lapse imaging (TLI) has emerged as a transformative technology in in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is because it offers continuous, non-invasive embryo assessment through morphokinetic profiling. It demonstrates key advantages such as reduced embryologist subjectivity, detection of dynamic anomalies, and improved implantation rates in niche populations. However, its clinical utility remains debated. Large trials and meta-analyses reveal no universal improvement in live birth rates compared to conventional methods. Key challenges underlying the outcome include algorithm generalizability, lab-specific protocol variability, and high costs. Nevertheless, TLI shows promise in specific contexts. For instance, Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) cycles where it reduces unnecessary biopsies by predicting euploidy. However, even in this, its benefits are marginal in unselected populations. This review synthesizes evidence to highlight that TLI’s value is context-dependent, not universal. As such, adoption must be cautious to avoid resource misallocation without significant IVF outcome improvements. In future, personalized protocols, integration with non-invasive biomarkers, and multicenter collaboration are crucial to optimize TLI’s potential in assisted reproduction.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
content type line 14
ISSN:1422-0067
1661-6596
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms26199609