Course objectives:

This course provides a one-on-one comprehensive training in the clinical management and laboratory practices of IVF and ICSI. The syllabus covers the following areas:

Laboratory Training:

Equipments

• Micromanipulators: components and mechanics
• Installing and aligning the ICSI instruments

Supplies & Culture Medium

• Preparation of culture medium and dishes for IVF/ IVF-ICSI cases
• Embryo culture
• Extended embryo culture

IVF Techniques

• ICSI: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
• Classical IVF
• Oocyte handling and scoring
• Embryo handling, scoring and loading

Advanced ART Techniques

• Assisted hatching (chemical and laser)
  Implantation potential of fresh embryos from advanced reproductive age female patients as well as frozen embryos can be enhanced by artificial thinning of zona pellucida. Learn how to perform the assisted hatching by laser or chemical (Tyrode's) method.
• Embryo biopsy (laser and chemical)
• ICSI with HOS test
• Pentoxifylline treatment
• Oocyte spindle is vital for a normal chromosomal organization and cell division. Learn the various fixation and cytochemical methods to observe the oocyte spindle by fluorescent or confocal laser scanning microscopy (on request)

Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis

• Blastomere biopsy:
  Learn the setting up of the micromanipulator
  Biopsy of mouse/hamster 8-cell stage embryos
  Use of laser and acid Tyrode's for zona drilling
  Blastomere and polar body aspiration and fixation techniques
• Cell spreading
• Fixation techniques

Cryopreservation

• Embryo cryopreservation (mouse embryos)
• Vitrification
• Ovarian tissue cryopreservation

Andrology Techniques

• Sperm preparation for IVF/ICSI
• Epididymal/ Testicular sperm retrieval

Clinical Observation in an IVF Lab*:

• Logistics of running an IVF Lab
• Observing IVF/ ICSI procedures
• Oocyte retrieval
• Oocyte assessment
• Fertilization check
• Embryo assessment
• Intrauterine insemination

*Clinical rotation in an IVF laboratory is optional. Extra fees will apply.

Discussion:

• Equipments and supplies used in an IVF laboratory
• Designing of new ART Laboratory:
  Setting up of an ideal laboratory is the key to success in IVF. Learn from our embryologists and scientists the key factors to be kept in mind while setting up a state-of-the-art IVF lab.
• Optimization of IVF lab procedures (quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, accreditation and documentation)
• Sperm preparation techniques:
  Sperm processing technique is vital in an era of increasing male factor infertility. The level of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage might increase by faulty sperm preparation techniques thereby affecting the ART outcomes. Learn from our experts the ideal sperm processing techniques.
• Sperm selection
  Learn the latest sperm selection techniques for ICSI sperm (discussion).
• Ovulation induction protocols
  The success of IVF mainly depends on the endocrine milieu created by the reproductive endocrinologist for super ovulation. Discuss with the REs the pros and cons of different stimulation protocols.
• Ultrasound:
  Follicle aspiration using sonography is the vital step to obtain the mature oocytes. Learn from the experts the various trouble shooting points while follicle aspiration/follicle monitoring during ovulation induction.
• Oocyte retrieval

Course duration:

Participants receive 10 days of instructions in the following areas:

• Lectures, discussions and videos - 20 hours
• Laboratory training sessions - 60 hours

Course objectives:

This course provides a one-on-one training to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects related to use of micromanipulation for ICSI. The syllabus covers the following areas:

Laboratory Training:

Equipments

• Micromanipulators: components and mechanics
• Installing and aligning the ICSI instruments

IVF Techniques

• Preparation of ICSI dishes
• ICSI: injection of the spermatozoon into the oocyte
• Oocyte handling (using fresh mouse oocytes)

Clinical Observation in an IVF Lab*:

• Logistics of running an IVF Lab
• Observing IVF/ ICSI procedures

*Clinical rotation in an IVF laboratory is optional.

Course duration:

Participants receive 5 days of instructions in the following areas:

• Interactive discussions and observation - 15 hours
• Laboratory training sessions - 25 hours

ICSI Videos

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

 
(Please click on a link above, to open the video clip with the media player, supported by your browser. Alternatively, you may 'Right Click' on a link and choose an action.)

Course objectives:

This course provides a one-on-one advanced training in high complexity techniques in a Assisted Reproduction Laboratory. The syllabus covers the following areas:

Laboratory training:

• Assisted hatching (chemical) - Learn how to perform assisted hatching using the chemical technique (Tyrode`s solution)
• Embryo biopsy - Learn how to perform the embryo biopsy by removing one or more blastomeres. This technique is needed for laboratories which intend to perform pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
• Embryo cryopreservation - Learn different protocols of embryo freezing , for either embryos with 8 or less cells or in blastocyst stage
• ICSI with micro-HOS test - Learn how to perform the micro hypo osmotic swelling test for semen samples with no motility (practical)

Course duration:

Participants receive 5 days of instructions in the following areas:

• Interactive discussions and observation - 10 hours
• Laboratory training sessions - 30 hours

Course objectives:

This course provides customized training in the clinical management and laboratory practices of IVF and ICSI. Candidates may select the techniques they wish to learn, the duration of their training, and whether they desire clinical observation in an IVF laboratory. The course duration may range from 1 week to 6 months depending on the candidates availability. Training is provided at a pace established by each candidate and is geared toward their personal needs. Candidates interested in this module should contact our program regarding their interest.

Educational teaching methods:

• Live lectures and multimedia presentations
• Training sessions using animal models (hamster oocytes/mouse embryos)
• Observation of actual IVF cases in a clinical IVF Lab
• Training provided by trained embryologist, andrologist, reproductive endocrinologist and other experts in ART
• Dedicated micromanipulators are available for training

Note:
Training provided in dedicated ART training suite inside a research laboratory
Training facility is a non clinical laboratory without any patient contact

Each participant will receive:

• Comprehensive course syllabus and CD
• Certificate of training (issued upon successful evaluation by the instructor)
• Free library access
   

Contact Information:

Training can be customized according to the needs of the candidate. Longer duration of training is available based on the interest of individual candidate. Please mail the complete Registration and review the Application Procedures/Fee Schedule for details. For more information contact:

Program Director
Center for Reproductive Medicine
Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute and
  OB-Gyn & Women's Health Institute
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
9500 Euclid Avenue, A19.1
Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
Tel: 216-444-9485; Fax: 216-445-6049
E-mail: agarwaa@ccf.org