Eugonia is the first clinic to introduce the Embryoscope 8 into its facilities

The Embryoscope 8 is an advanced incubator that enables continuous time-lapse monitoring of embryos, thereby ensuring optimal culture conditions. In addition, through its automated morphokinetic analysis software (KIDScore D3 and KIDScore D5) and integrated artificial intelligence algorithm (iDAScore), it supports embryologists in identifying embryos with the highest implantation potential.

The integration of advanced technology with the high standards of our embryology laboratory ensures optimal conditions that support successful treatment outcomes

Embryo culture with time-lapse technology

Time-lapse technology enables continuous monitoring of embryo development through the use of a high-resolution camera integrated within the incubator and specialized image-analysis software. Images are automatically captured at 10-minute intervals, generating a sequential dataset that reconstructs the complete developmental trajectory of each embryo.

The traditional method of monitoring and assessing embryo development is based on direct microscopic observation outside the conventional incubator. This approach is described as static, since the embryo is evaluated only at a specific time point (snapshot), without providing the embryologist with information on its continuous developmental progression. Moreover, microscopic observation requires the temporary removal of embryos from the carefully regulated environment of the incubator, resulting in their exposure to suboptimal conditions.

With the use of time-lapse technology, it is now possible to continuously monitor embryo development and to investigate, for the first time, various phenomena related to fertilization and early embryogenesis that until recently remained unknown. In this way, the embryologists at Eugonia have access to critical information regarding the timing, progression, and synchronization of cell divisions in each embryo, the occurrence of fragmentation, as well as potential abnormalities such as multinucleation or reverse cleavage.

Continuous monitoring enables more accurate identification of embryos with optimal morphology and appropriate developmental kinetics, while allowing the exclusion of low-quality embryos with limited developmental potential from transfer. This improves the precision of embryo selection, thereby increasing the likelihood of implantation and successful pregnancy. Moreover, culture under time-lapse conditions maintains a stable and optimal environment, minimizing disturbance and safeguarding embryo viability. 

At Eugonia, our embryologists monitor embryo development under optimal culture conditions that closely mimic those of the maternal endometrial cavity

What is KIDScore D3/D5?

KIDScore is software for the automated analysis of embryo morphokinetic parameters. The automatic evaluation of morphokinetic features—including the timing of cell divisions, morphological characteristics, and division patterns—generates a score for each embryo that reflects its implantation potential. The model was developed based on embryological datasets with known implantation outcomes (Known Implantation Data, KID), from which it also derives its name. The Embryoscope 8 at Eugonia incorporates two analysis models, depending on whether embryo transfer is performed on day 3 or day 5.

When using KIDScore D3, each day-3 embryo is assigned a score ranging from 1 to 5, which correlates with its implantation potential. KIDScore D5 is applied when embryo transfer is performed at the blastocyst stage (day 5 of development), assigning a score ranging from 1 to 9.9. This score reflects the statistical likelihood of implantation based on information obtained during five days of culture. The higher the score, the greater the probability of implantation. 

The application of this model represents a highly valuable tool, particularly in cases where multiple embryos are available and the selection of the most suitable embryo for transfer poses a critical challenge for the embryologists in order to achieve the desired pregnancy outcome. In this way, the decision-making process regarding embryo selection is significantly improved, consistency is enhanced, and the choice of embryos for transfer is optimized.

iDAScore: Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Embryology

iDAScore is an automated embryo evaluation and analysis software based on an artificial intelligence algorithm, providing an objective ranking of embryos according to their implantation potential. The algorithm was developed through the analysis of 115,000 time-lapse videos of embryo development from 18 clinics, of which 14,644 embryos were transferred and 4,337 resulted in a clinical pregnancy (embryo(s) with confirmed cardiac activity). The Embryoscope 8 at Eugonia is equipped with the iDAScore software.

By selecting the embryo with the highest score (ranging from 1 to 9.9), the maximum probability of pregnancy is ensured for each individual patient and treatment cycle.

It is recognized that traditional methods of embryo evaluation, which rely exclusively on morphological criteria and are performed by embryologists, are subject to a degree of subjectivity despite the use of standardized assessment parameters. At Eugonia, the integration of automated embryo evaluation with the expertise and critical scientific judgment of our embryologists enhances the objectivity and reliability of the selection process.

Advantages of embryo culture in the Embryoscope 8

• Continuous monitoring of embryos without the need to remove them from the incubator, thus ensuring optimal culture conditions.
• Culture within a state-of-the-art incubator, in which parameters such as CO₂, O₂, and temperature remain essentially undisturbed.
• Ability to observe key developmental phenomena that would remain undetectable using conventional monitoring methods.
• Automated analysis of embryo developmental dynamics through integrated software (KIDScore D3/D5), providing a score correlated with implantation potential.
• Automated processing of embryological data (images, videos) and evaluation using an artificial intelligence algorithm (iDAScore), generating a score according to implantation potential.
• Use of a unique barcode for each culture dish, enabling complete traceability of a patient’s samples throughout the culture period.

At Eugonia, we address the challenge of selecting the most suitable embryo with the support of artificial intelligence (AI). By analyzing the information obtained through continuous real-time monitoring of all embryos (time-lapse monitoring), our embryologists are now able to identify the embryo (or embryos) with the highest potential to maximize the likelihood of achieving pregnancy.

Our aim is to ensure that each treatment attempt leads to the best possible outcome.