Artificial intelligence technology has revolutionized the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by identifying the most promising embryo and significantly increasing the chances of pregnancy. This innovative AI tech, pioneered by a Tel Aviv-based firm in Israel, is already in use across Europe, Asia, and South America, and is expected to reach the United States in the near future.
The software used in this AI system evaluates embryos based on specific features that are correlated with outcomes such as genetic abnormalities and successful implantation. These features are not discernible to the human eye, making the AI technology invaluable in the selection process. Clinics utilizing this algorithm have reported a remarkable 30% increase in IVF success rates.
IVF involves the extraction of an egg from a woman’s ovaries, which is then fertilized with male sperm in a laboratory. If the fertilized egg develops into an embryo, a doctor implants it into the woman’s uterus with the hope of achieving pregnancy. However, the IVF process is both expensive, averaging over $12,000 per session, and uncertain, with success rates around 24% across all age groups. This often necessitates multiple attempts.
The use of AI technology to enhance pregnancy chances is not a new concept. Recently, scientists in California developed an algorithm that evaluates the health of sperm based on their shape and movement, ensuring optimal selection for fertilizing an egg.
Dr. Daniella Gilboa, co-founder and CEO of AIVF, the reproductive technology company behind the groundbreaking algorithm, emphasizes the significance of embryo selection in the IVF process. Until now, doctors have been solely responsible for making this critical decision. Dr. Gilboa highlights the challenges embryologists face in a busy lab environment, where they must determine which embryo has the greatest potential to result in a successful pregnancy.
Traditionally, clinicians rely on subjective human analysis and visual appearance to assess embryo quality. However, this approach lacks quantifiable data on the actual chances of achieving pregnancy. EMA (Embryo Evaluation AI), AVIF’s AI-powered software, expands beyond what the human eye can perceive, comprehensively processing vast amounts of data to enhance embryo selection. The AI has been trained to detect embryonic features that correlate to different outcomes, such as genetic abnormalities, implantation success, and gender.
The algorithm assigns each embryo a numeric score, enabling the doctor to make the final decision. Moreover, AI technology operates at a significantly faster pace than humans, allowing doctors to evaluate embryos more efficiently and handle a greater number of patients, consequently addressing the demand for IVF services.
Currently, only 20% of the IVF demand in the United States is met by existing clinics. Dr. Gilboa anticipates that the introduction of this AI technology will alleviate this shortage in the near future. It is essential to note that the AI algorithm does not aim to replace doctors, as human judgment will always play a pivotal role.
Concerns have arisen among ethicists regarding the potential misuse of AI in selecting embryos based on gender, potentially leading to the emergence of designer babies and ethical complexities that society may be ill-equipped to handle. However, Dr. Gilboa is adamant that the algorithm’s purpose is to augment doctors’ decision-making processes, not replace them. She also expects the technology to be available in the US very soon.
In addition to its remarkable impact on success rates, this AI software may also reduce costs for patients by expediting the pregnancy process. Traditional IVF typically requires three to five treatments to achieve pregnancy, whereas with AVIF, the average is just 1.6 treatments, according to Dr. Gilboa.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
