Operational feasibility study of a new microfluidic device in IVF clinics

48.5 million couples experience infertility worldwide annually. Nowadays reproductive technologies and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) help overcome this challenge. During IVF treatment, a fertilized egg (embryo) is cultured in the laboratory for 3-5 days in vitro before being either transferred into the woman's womb or frozen for a later transfer. During this culture period, the embryo can be exposed to detrimental external stimuli, such as changes of temperature, pH and oxygen that can negatively affect its "quality" (ability to develop). This can reduce the potential of an embryo to implantation in the uterus and produce a pregnancy and many impact on the baby's health. The NHS currently reports that the percentage of IVF treatments that resulted in a live birth in 2019 was 32% for women under 35\. Our IVFmicro device aims to improve the embryo culture procedures by mimicking the natural environment which will support the development of higher quality embryos and ultimately increase the success rate of IVF treatments. With this project, we will complete the design of our IVFmicro device, in accordance with the clinical practice and regulations. With the manufacturer, we will prepare the technical documentation: this is a key step to make sure the microfluidic device, the material and the manufacturing process, are not only effective but first of all safe for the patient. Finally, we will train the first group of clinical expert embryologists to use IVFmicro, and will use their feedback to prepare our device to enter the clinics in 2027\.