Key Takeaways
- Embryos previously stored using slow-freezing techniques now utilize vitrification for better preservation.
- A lab supervisor faced challenges retrieving embryos from a fragile glass vial, which led to minor injuries but successful embryo survival.
- The first baby from this process has arrived, igniting hopes and dreams for the families involved.
The Evolution of Embryo Preservation
In the past, embryos earmarked for storage were slow-frozen, resulting in potential damage from ice crystals. To mitigate this risk, fertility clinics shifted to vitrification in the 2000s. This method involves placing embryos in thin plastic straws and rapidly freezing them in liquid nitrogen, creating a glass-like state that preserves their viability.
Thawing vitrified embryos is swift, requiring only two seconds in warm “thaw media.” In contrast, slow-frozen embryos demand a more complex thawing process, with varying methods based on how they were stored. This sometimes requires intricate tools to open storage devices within the nitrogen tank.
Sarah Atkinson, lab supervisor and head embryologist at Rejoice Fertility, recently had to retrieve embryos from a heat-sealed glass vial. The procedure was tricky; when she used a diamond-bladed knife to open the vial inside the tank, a shard of glass unexpectedly hit her face. Thankfully, she was wearing safety goggles, and the embryos survived the operation.
Atkinson maintains meticulous records of different embryo-storage devices, including warnings for fragile ones. She noted that thawing certain devices can pose risks, a sentiment she expressed while showing her notes during a video call.
The embryos in question were slow-frozen and stored in a plastic vial, making their thawing process cumbersome. Despite this, all three embryos successfully thawed. Lindsey Pierce and her partner traveled five hours from Ohio to Tennessee five times over two weeks for fertility treatments. Initially, one of the embryos did not continue developing. However, two were transferred to Lindsey’s uterus on November 14, resulting in a successful pregnancy.
Now, with the baby born, Archerd, who has familial ties to the embryos, is excited to meet her. She remarked about the baby’s resemblance to her daughter, comparing baby photos side by side. Although she has no immediate plans to visit, the possibility of meeting the newborn brings her joy and anticipation.
Lindsey acknowledged that breaking records was not their goal; their primary desire was simply to have a child. The story of these embryos not only speaks to the advancements in fertility treatments but also illustrates the deep emotional connections formed through the process of creating life.
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