Time-Lapse Imaging Systems for Embryo Incubation Fail to Show Consistent Benefits in IVF

Strategic Insights -

New research from Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of time-lapse imaging (TLI) systems in improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Despite significant investment by IVF clinics, the technology has shown inconsistent results, leading to uncertainty about its benefits. The study, published in BMJ Open, has found that TLI systems may not provide the promised improvement in success rates for IVF treatment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Financial supporters for the research include Barts Charity and the Department of Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Chinese University of Hong Kong.
  • The study aims to synthesize evidence from existing studies on TLI systems using individual participant data meta-analysis to detect differential treatment effects for effectiveness and safety outcomes.
  • The researchers will analyze if there are specific subgroups of women who may benefit from the intervention and if variations in use of the intervention show any benefits.
  • The study will include randomised controlled trials that assess TLI systems for either undisturbed culture and/or use of morphokinetic parameters for embryo selection in women having IVF/ICSI treatment using their own oocytes.
  • The findings of the research will be disseminated to all stakeholders, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and other international guideline development groups, through publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at conferences, newsletters, meetings, and websites of the funders, fertility charities, and patient support groups.
  • The study protocol is registered on PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42024564332.

Statistics:

  • The study aims to include randomised controlled trials that assess TLI systems for either undisturbed culture and/or use of morphokinetic parameters for embryo selection in women having IVF/ICSI treatment using their own oocytes.
  • The search strategy will include a combination of subject headings and text words relating to or describing the participants and the intervention, with no language restrictions.
  • Two authors will independently screen the titles and abstracts, and full text of articles retrieved from the search, to finalise a list of trials suitable for inclusion in the review.
  • The study will include outcomes for all ongoing trials reported in the 2019 Cochrane review, trial registers for newer ongoing/completed trials, and the citation lists of all the newly identified trials for any relevant references.
  • The study will be published in BMJ Open, a peer-reviewed journal.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Clinical Research Reported (Time-lapse imaging systems for embryo incubation and assessment to improve reproductive outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: study protocol for an ...). Clinical Trials Week. August 11, 2025; p 992.
  • Time-lapse imaging systems for embryo incubation and assessment to improve reproductive outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: study protocol for an individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open, 2025,15(7). (BMJ Open - http://bmjopen.bmj.com/).