Introduction. Symposium: oocyte cryopreservation.

摘要

Advancements in assisted reproduction technology have led to the development of novel techniques and procedures that now allow previously infertile couples the opportunity to have a family. One of the most significant advances was the introduction of cryopreservation. The first pregnancy resulting from frozen, thawed embryos was reported by Trounson and Mohr in 1983 (Trounson and Mohr, 1983), followed only three years later by the first live birth using previously cryopreserved oocytes (Chen, 1986). Although there was hope that oocyte cryopreservation would immediately be embraced by clinicians, its universality was hindered over the next two decades as scientists struggled to reproduce successful protocols. Fortunately today, the efficiency of oocyte cryopreservation now approaches that of fresh IVF in experienced hands and is thus being successfully integrated into clinical practice around the world. In the first article of this symposium, Dr. Gook provides us with a comprehensive history of oocyte cryopreservation focusing on the advances that have brought this technology to its current applicable state (Gook, 2011).