Zygro: An Intravaginal Embryo Culturing Device
Abstract/Summary
Intravaginal culture devices (IVC) are a novel addition to traditional in-vitro fertilization where the patient feels empowered to be a part of the process of early embryo development. The only existing IVC device in the United States is the INVOcell. Based on patient and physician feedback, the INVOcell has several design flaws that can be improved upon to increase patient comfortability, ease of use for the physician and embryologist, and cost. For this project, a new IVC device was designed to eliminate the design flaws of the dated INVOcell. The device is a polycarbonate pill-shaped chamber with a flat bottom enclosed in a silicone jacket. This design aims to achieve more viable embryos by having a larger volume to hold more eggs, a flat surface to ensure consistent temperature during embryo retrieval, and the elimination of seams and sharp corners that produce debris in the media. The device also benefits the patient through its smaller size, vaginally compatible shape, and its comparative lower cost.