What is cryopreservation?
Cryopreservation: The Future of Cell and Tissue Storage
In the fascinating world of medical technology, cryopreservation has occupied a remarkable place. But what exactly does this term mean? Cryopreservation in Graz enables the long-term storage of cells and tissues in order to make them usable at a later date.
The basis of this advanced method lies in the fact that cells and tissues can be preserved at extreme temperatures. During cryopreservation in Graz, they are frozen in liquid nitrogen at an icy minus 196 degrees Celsius and stored safely. The term “cryopreservation” comes from the ancient Greek word “cryos”, which simply means “cold”. This technique opens up an intriguing way to push the boundaries of cell and tissue storage.
The key component for the survival of human cells and tissues in such icy conditions lies in the application of special cryoprotective solutions and precise freezing processes. These sophisticated techniques ensure that the viability and functionality of the cells remain intact. A notable field of application of this method is the storage of embryos, egg and sperm cells. Cryopreservation in Graz allows these valuable biological resources to be preserved for later applications without compromising their quality.
A significant result of this breakthrough technology is the support of various reproductive procedures. Treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and insemination can be performed at a later stage thanks to cryopreservation. This flexibility opens up new horizons for couples who want to make their desire to have children come true.
Cryopreservation in Graz has undoubtedly opened the door to a promising future. It not only enables the preservation of precious biological materials, but also opens up new possibilities for medical procedures and research. By combining technology and innovation, cryopreservation has the potential to permanently change the face of modern medicine and push the boundaries of what is possible.
How does the transfer work?
If you have had a previous IVF/ICSI cycle in which your surplus embryos of good quality have been frozen (vitrified), the preparation of these embryos for a later embryo transfer is quite straightforward.
If your menstrual cycle is regular and you ovulate regularly (these two physiological phenomena are not identical!), then you usually do not need hormonal medications to prepare your uterine lining for implantation. We will perform two ultrasounds: one at the beginning of your cycle and the other before ovulation. If we detect the spontaneous growth of a single dominant follicle, you will either be given an injection with the ovulation trigger (HCG) or you will have a daily urine test to “catch” your LH surge. The timing of the embryo transfer will then be determined according to your individual treatment plan.
If your menstrual cycle is irregular or If you have irregular or absent ovulation, your uterine lining must be prepared with hormonal medication before embryo transfer. As a rule, you start this preparation with pure estrogen tablets. After an ultrasound scan – which should show good growth of your uterine lining – you will also be given progesterone tablets (or, more rarely, injections). The date for the embryo transfer will again be determined according to your personal treatment plan.
A few hours before the scheduled embryo transfer, your frozen embryo will be thawed, and we will observe its development after thawing. The survival rate of frozen embryos after thawing is currently exceptionally good (high) and is close to 100%.
Note: a 100% survival rate of embryos after thawing can never be completely guaranteed!
Embryo transfer is performed in the usual way according to your treatment plan. All further steps are then the same as for a “fresh” embryo transfer in standard IVF/ICSI.
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