31st Annual In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

Memo

This conference brings together an internationally-renowned faculty to present the latest developments in every phase of IVF and embryo management. The course addresses the needs of practicing scientists, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, residents, and fellows who wish to review the specialty and update their knowledge in this rapidly changing and expanding field.



The conference setting promotes extensive contact among speakers and participants with question periods, panels, and many opportunities for informal interaction. A mobile app will be utilized to access the material being presented, and electronic polling through the mobile app will be used to promote interaction with the speakers.



Particular attention will be devoted this year to the rapidly developing trend toward deferred embryo transfer, the role of mild ovarian stimulation, time lapse imaging of early embryo development, the critical role of embryo energy supplies, the measurement of mitochondrial DNA to assess embryo capacity, genetic evaluation of the infertile couple and early pregnancy, management of mosaic embryos, the role of CoQ10 in improving mitochondrial function in aging women, maternal immunogenetics, and practical aspects of transfer technique. There will be a lively debate on whether PGS is indispensable or too inaccurate for clinical use. A laboratory mini-symposium directed by Dr. William B. Schoolcraft will cover comprehensive chromosome screening challenges, newer techniques to assess endometrial receptivity, time-lapse assessment of embryos versus routine blastocyst culture, molecular assessments of sperm, oocyte freezing, and a diagnostic role for RNAs.



Shoukhrat Mitalipov, PhD from the OHSU Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy will give the keynote lecture on the recent breakthrough reported last year in Nature on gene editing of human embryos. He will also update us on the use of stem cells as a source of oocytes and sperm.